Net Firms Applaud Broadband Move

A group of Internet companies including Amazon, eBay, Google, Skype and Sling Media wrote Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski Thursday to voice their support for his decision to designate some aspects of broadband Internet access as a telecommunications service. In their letter to Chairman Genachowski, about a dozen firms that also are members of the Open Internet Coalition said they applauded the "middle-ground approach" he has chosen to pursue. "We share your belief that this course will create a legally sound, light-touch regulatory framework that benefits consumers, technology companies, and broadband Internet access providers," the letter said. "This framework will ensure that consumers have access to an open Internet, one that would preserve a level playing field for all participants."