FCC Dems Narrowing Network Neutrality Gaps

Apparently, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski is making progress in narrowing gaps with his two Democratic colleagues over his controversial plan to adopt sweeping new rules for the Internet.

Chairman Genachowski needs the support of Commissioners Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn to approve his network neutrality proposal, which would create enforceable rules designed to protect the openness that is the Internet's hallmark. While both Commissioners Copps and Clyburn are network neutrality advocates, they've complained that the chairman's framework cuts too many breaks for major telecommunications and cable providers of broadband. The two Republicans on the five-member commission remain staunchly opposed, arguing that the proposed rules amount to unnecessary government regulation of the Internet. An FCC source familiar with the negotiations said progress is being made in three key areas: addressing concerns about wireless carriers, limiting Internet toll lanes and adding protections for a new online pricing model.