Free Press: Third Way Is the Right Way

"Sensible" and "limited" is how Free Press described the Federal Communications Commission's proposal to reclassify broadband access under Title II common carrier regulations.

The "breathless hyperbole and veiled threats" of their opposition, they argue, can't obscure the fact that broadband providers are offering a service that transmits data and is clearly a telecommunications offering. Free Press ticked off the critical flaws in the rhetorical arguments of its opponents. Those include the overstated the scope and impact of "limited" Title II classification. The FCC is only planning to apply a handful (six or seven) of the Title II regulations while forbearing (not applying) the rest. Opponents, Free press says, overestimate its affect on investment in broadband and the purported legal hurdles. Free Press also argues that the FCC has "no other options" if it wants to implement its broadband policies. And implementing the National Broadband Plan is arguably the FCC's chief priority.