2007 Broadband Connectivity Competition Policy (FTC)

FTC Conference Center
601 New Jersey Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20001

February 13-14, 2007
9:00 AM -5:00 PM

On February 13 and 14, 2007, the Federal Trade Commission will host a public workshop on "Broadband Connectivity Competition Policy." The FTC will bring together experts from business, government, and the technology sector, consumer advocates, and academics to explore competition and consumer protection issues relating to broadband Internet access, including so-called "network neutrality." The workshop will explore issues raised by recent legal and regulatory determinations that providers of certain broadband Internet services, such as cable modem and DSL, are not subject to the FCC's common carrier regulations. The workshop will examine, for example, the capabilities and incentives of broadband Internet service providers to discriminate against, degrade, block, or charge fees for prioritized delivery of unaffiliated content and applications. The workshop will also address the potential effects of network neutrality regulation on innovation and competition in the market for broadband access.

All attendees will be required to display a current driver's license or other valid form of photo identification. The Conference Center is accessible to people with disabilities. If you need an accommodation related to a disability, please call Gregory P. Luib, 202-326-3249.

See agenda at http://www.ftc.gov/opp/workshops/broadband/agenda.pdf

The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration for this workshop is not necessary, but is encouraged, so that we may better plan for the event.

To pre-register: Email your name and affiliation to broadbandprereg@ftc.gov.
NOTE: When you pre-register, the FTC collects your name, affiliation, and email address. We use this information for administration purposes related to the workshop and to contact you with information about it. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or other laws, we may be required to disclose the information you provide to outside organizations. For additional information, including routine uses permitted by the Privacy Act, see the FTC Privacy Policy. The FTC Act and other laws the FTC enforces allow the collection of this contact information for the purposes described above.

REQUESTING TO BE A PANELIST — Deadline: January 15, 2007
FTC staff will identify and invite individuals with relevant expertise to participate as panelists. The staff also may invite self-nominees to be workshop panelists. Selected panelists will be notified by February 1, 2007.

To Nominate Yourself: Email broadbandpanelists@ftc.gov.
Requirements: Refer to "Broadband Connectivity Competition Policy Workshop - Panelist Request, Project No. V070000" to facilitate the organization of panelist requests.
Include a statement detailing your expertise on the issues to be addressed at the workshop and complete contact information.

FILING A COMMENT — Deadline: February 28, 2007
The Commission invites interested persons to submit written comments on issues related to this workshop.

To File Electronically: Go to https://secure.commentworks.com/ftc-broadband. Refer to "Broadband Connectivity Competition Policy Workshop - Comment, Project No. V070000" to facilitate the organization of comments.
To File in Paper Form: Include the reference, "Broadband Connectivity Competition Policy Workshop – Comment, Project No. V070000"; both in the text and on the envelope. Mail or deliver your comment to the address below by courier or overnight service, if possible, because U.S. postal mail in the Washington area and at the Commission is subject to delay due to heightened security precautions.

Federal Trade Commission/Office of the Secretary
Room H-135 (Annex B)
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580.

To Request Confidential Treatment: You must file in paper form and clearly label the first page of the document with "Confidential" and comply with Commission Rule 4.9(c).*

More info at http://www.ftc.gov/opp/workshops/broadband/index.html