FCC Reform Moves Forward At Thursday's Meeting

[Commentary] Assuming the Federal government opens for business on Thursday, we can expect to see Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski taking another substantial step to make good on his pledge to reform how the FCC does business.

The agenda for the FCC's open meeting for Thursday, February 11 lists three items. Two have to do with changing FCC rules to make the agency more open and more streamlined, the third has to do with reforming the E-Rate Program under which schools get money to subsidize broadband. We can expect that to the extent the press cover this, the focus will go to the E-Rate story. At least people understand about broadband in schools. But for long term difference that matters, the FCC process stories -- while phenomenally boring and unsexy -- have much broader impact. It is easy to pledge more "openness" and make cosmetic changes. It takes commitment and determination to actually go through the process of changing rules to make things work better for everyone over the long haul. So a tip of the hat to Genachowski and everyone else at the Commission for carrying through on the commitment. Now up to us to do our part and actually participate in the rulemaking process.