FCC Offers Small ISPs a Boost, but a Bigger Setback Looms

Small internet service providers (ISPs) expect a helping hand from the Federal Communications Commission August 2, a move that could spur competition and perhaps lower prices. But the FCC is also considering a more sweeping proposal that would hurt upstarts to the benefit of industry giants like AT&T. Both issues revolve around how much access upstarts should have to facilities and equipment owned by their bigger rivals. The vote is about arcane rules for moving wires on utility poles. The bigger issue, which the FCC might not resolve until 2019, is about access to telecom companies’ switching stations.