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Debate rages about whether government-based Internet regulations would benefit consumers
On September 21st, Julius Genachowski, the newly appointed chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, gave a speech at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. that outlined his reasoning for pursuing new “net neutrality” regulations. Since Genachowski’s speech, a heated debate has taken place throughout the country regarding whether or not possible new regulations are necessary and would ultimately benefit consumers.
On one side, net neutrality proponents argue that government regulation of the Internet is needed to keep networks open and unrestricted. On the other hand, opponents of net neutrality regulations argue that government intervention is unnecessary and will significantly diminish future innovation and private network investment.
How this issue is ultimately decided will most certainly have a profound impact on how the Internet continues to evolve over time. Over the next several months, MCA will offer its take on possible net neutrality regulations, but initially we want to provide our supporters with the arguments on both sides of the issue. Below are several takes on net neutrality that serve as a primer for what should be a contentious debate for some time to come.
Text of Chairman Genachowski’s speech at Brookings
Press release from the Institute for Policy Innovation opposing net neutrality regulations
FCC ‘Net Neutrality’ Rules Are a Win for Consumers
Wireless Experts Predict FCC’s ‘Net Neutrality’ Rule’s Impact on Mobile Operators
Is the FCC neutralizing innovation?
Network neutrality? How about FCC neutrality?
New Report on Mobile Broadband Access among Hispanics
The U.S. Hispanic population now tops 48 million. And while Hispanics as a group lag other populations in terms of overall Internet access, they are near the top in mobile broadband usage.
A new report by Mobile Future and The Hispanic Institute offers a look into Hispanic broadband access and details how a national broadband strategy could most benefit Hispanics in the U.S.
Click here to read a brief overview of the report. PDF versions of the full report are available via that link in both English and Spanish.
Digital TV Transition Finally Takes Effect
After a four-month delay, the government imposed transition to all-digital television signals finally took effect on June 12th, and as the Washington Post reported, the FCC stated the switch went fairly smooth.
Interestingly, the move to digital could also lead to a marked increase in the adoption and availability of mobile TV (read more about mobile TV in the Financial Times).
A Better Life With Wireless Forum in Edmond, OK
On May 29th, a panel of national, state, and local technology experts led an educational seminar at Oklahoma Christian University to discuss how wireless technology is changing lives throughout Oklahoma and the rest of the world.
The seminar, hosted by the Mid-American Communications Alliance and co-sponsored by the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce and Oklahoma Christian University, showcased the increasingly important nature of wireless technology in our lives and how Oklahoma is leading the nation in wireless technology adoption.
Click here for more information and photos from the event, or click here to watch a video of the event on MCA’s YouTube channel.
Also, be sure to watch this video clip from the local FOX affiliate in Oklahoma City about Oklahoma Christian’s mobile InTouch application that was highlighted at MCA’s wireless event.
MCA's Online Safety Tips
Internet scams have been around for years, but the Federal Trade Commission’s recent crackdown on robocallers pushing car warrantees has put a spotlight on the thousands of tactics used by scammers to bilk Americans out of millions. Click here to read about Nine Nasty Online Scams You Need to Be Aware Of.
MCA Blog Roundup
CEOs See Wireless as Answer to Economic Crisis
What’s New for Mobile in 2009?
Communications Technology is a “Life Changer”
Cell Phone-Only Households Continue to Rise
Missouri Lawmakers Go High-Tech with Communications Efforts
Goodbye, Paperboy. Hello, Internet.
Is Personal Communications Technology Recession-Proof?
Last December, MCA held an event at the University of Oklahoma highlighting the issues of online privacy and behavioral advertising. Apparently, those issues continue to remain relevant. A recent piece in the New York Times covering the new survey points out that the Federal Trade Commission recently revised its guidelines for behavioral advertising, but shows that many believe that consumers are ultimately responsible for protecting their own privacy while online.
For more information about online privacy, visit MCA’s online privacy page or check out the video of our Oklahoma privacy event on our YouTube channel.
2009 State Legislative Updates
State legislatures continue to work on legislation affecting communications issues in each of MCA’s four states. Follow the links below to learn about key legislation in the individual states.
- SB 237:
- SB 130:
MCA will keep a close eye on any proposed legislation dealing with communications technology in our four states, and we will continue to keep you informed on any important developments.
MCA on the Social Web
Check out MCA on the social web! Get up-to-the-minute updates about the latest communications news and technology by following MCA on Twitter, becoming a fan of MCA on Facebook, and stopping by the MCA channel on YouTube.
2009 State Legislative Updates
As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, state legislatures are back to work and legislation affecting communications issues has been proposed in each of MCA’s four states. Follow the links below to learn about key legislation in the individual states.
MCA will keep a close eye on any proposed legislation dealing with communications technology in our four states, and we will continue to keep you informed on any important developments.
