Sen. Nelson opposes broadband reclassification by FCC

Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski urging him not to move forward on an agency proceeding that could result in increased oversight of broadband access providers.

Sen Nelson said Chairman Genachowski should not change the regulatory status of broadband services from that of a lightly-regulated information service to the more heavily-regulated telecommunications service, as Chairman Genachowski proposed in May. "I am concerned by any unilateral actions which may be taken by the FCC when it comes to how broadband networks are regulated," he said in the letter. Sen Nelson cited concern that an "uncertain regulatory climate" could "stymie" broadband deployment in Nebraska. He said the FCC should wait for congressional action to clarify broadband regulations, rather than acting on its own.