FCC Urged to Change its Role

The Federal Communications Commission should get out of the business of creating broadband regulations and only step into an enforcement role when customers complain about service, Verizon's Tom Tauke said Wednesday. He called on the FCC and Congress to create an "updated role" for government in telecommunications regulation, particularly for rules related to broadband Internet access and services that run over broadband. The former Republican lawmaker called for an end to what he called "anticipatory regulation" designed to head off problems before they exist. Instead, government should allow a "market-driven" approach where broadband carriers are free to offer the services they choose. "This does not mean there is no role for government; it simply means that there is an updated role for government," said Tauke. "Government should not be on the field, calling the plays, nor should it be writing the rules. Instead it should fill a referee-like role: observing the field of play, responding to complaints by any of the players and addressing cases of market failure."