Blogs

After a review of the purported benefits and early analysis of the proposed acquisition of T-Mobile by AT&T, the Benton Foundation urges the Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission to reject a deal that offers no public interest dividend.

First and foremost, the acquisition will combine the 2nd and 4th largest wireless carriers in the US. Undoubtedly, this combination will reduce competition in this market and will result in fewer choices for consumers, higher prices, and less innovation.

Federal Communications Commission member Michael Copps was the only FCC commissioner to dissent from the order allowing Comcast and General Electric to enter into a complicated joint venture that will give Comcast control of NBC Universal. Here is his statement.

By Charles Benton

Earlier this month, President Barack Obama said our generation’s Sputnik moment is upon us. President Obama likened our recent economic setbacks to a key moment in October 1957 when Americans saw our scientific leadership in the world fall from first to second as a small beeping sphere sped through the night sky. I strongly agree. And I see broadband as a key element in our response to Sputnik 2.

The ongoing need for community media programs has much to do with the dearth of diverse voices and representation within mainstream media outlets.

Regarding Reclassification:  A series of blog posts exploring the legal landscape of Communications Act Title I and II reclassification

By Charles Benton

Bringing Broadband to People with low Incomes

Regarding Reclassification:  A series of blog posts exploring the legal landscape of Communications Act Title I and II reclassification

Yesterday, during a Senate Commerce committee hearing focused on the important task of modernizing the Universal Service Fund, Senators and FCC Commissioners again called into concern the FCC's current authority over broadband and what that lack of authority may mean for improvements to the Universal Service Fund.

"Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work."
-- Peter Drucker

Regarding Reclassification:  A series of blog posts exploring the legal landscape of Communications Act Title I and II reclassification