Can The FCC Save Net Neutrality?

CAN THE FCC SAVE NET NEUTRALITY?
[SOURCE: WebProNews, AUTHOR: Jason Lee Miller]
The chief complaints of the telecommunications industry regarding the heated Network Neutrality debate are that regulation limits their ability to compete, build out infrastructure, and innovate; that regulation is unnecessary as principles outlined by the FCC are sufficient to guard it and that telcos like Verizon have already publicly committed to them; and that Net Neutrality is still too poorly defined to write legislation around it. Interestingly, the last two notions are mutually exclusive: How can Net Neutrality principles be simultaneously committed to while being nebulous and ill defined? This logical conundrum works in their favor as well as their opposition. Such is the tricky language and nature of Net Neutrality, and reason as well that people just learning of the issue are having difficulty pulling it down to earth. The devil in the details is causing a gridlock in Congress as talking points become more direct, but more confusing. Legislators seem to be sticking with their contributors on the whole; telecoms and cable sticking to their best interests; advocates playing the role of voice of the people. Again, the last two notions are mutually exclusive. Colin Crowell, who works for Net Neutrality proponent Rep. Ed Markey's (D - MA), told WebProNews that legislation is necessary because the FCC's fourth connectivity principle was "unenforceable." "A chief concern," said Crowell, "is that they're going to charge people for things they had before (for free)." Also, Crowell is unconvinced of Verizon's public commitment to Network Neutrality principles. When Verizon merged with MCI, he said, the FCC approved the acquisition on condition they stick to Net Neutrality principles. Crowell said Verizon lobbied "vociferously" to ensure those requirements would sunset after 30 months. "If they were committed, why did they lobby that?"
http://www.webpronews.com/insiderreports/marketinginsider/wpn-50-2006051...