Don't worry this is all for our own good, every American must have "universal broadband access." OK I'll cut the crap I don't think for second this has anything to do with lowering internet cost, nor do I think it will. Putting the government in total control of the internet that seems like the more likely scenario, that and the fact that they haven't figured out how to get all the money they want from it.
WASHINGTON -- Federal regulators are considering whether the government should take greater control of the Internet and ask consumers to pay higher phone charges in order to provide all Americans with cheaper access to broadband Internet service.
The Federal Communications Commission Wednesday will lay out the case for expanding broadband Internet service, outlining current obstacles to making it widely available. The agency is considering whether to force Internet providers to share their networks with rivals and raise fees charged on consumer phone bills to pay for the broader access.
Feds Mull Rules, Fees to Spur Net Access - WSJ.com
The proposals, which have sparked criticism from telecommunications and cable companies, represent a reversal from the Bush Administration, when regulators cut back on government control of Internet and telephone service.
The new commission, controlled by Democrats, is considering whether more government control is needed to ensure competition and more affordable Internet service.
The FCC staff will float possible solutions in December and make formal recommendations in February, when it is set to release its National Broadband Plan, a blueprint for improving broadband speed and access. Congress asked the FCC for the plan earlier this year.
FCC officials estimate it could cost anywhere from $20 billion to $350 billion to connect all American households to high-speed Internet service, depending on speed offered.
They haven't yet said how much of that investment might come from taxpayers.
The agency is looking at three politically charged proposals to reach its goal of universal broadband access.
WASHINGTON -- Federal regulators are considering whether the government should take greater control of the Internet and ask consumers to pay higher phone charges in order to provide all Americans with cheaper access to broadband Internet service.
The Federal Communications Commission Wednesday will lay out the case for expanding broadband Internet service, outlining current obstacles to making it widely available. The agency is considering whether to force Internet providers to share their networks with rivals and raise fees charged on consumer phone bills to pay for the broader access.
Feds Mull Rules, Fees to Spur Net Access - WSJ.com
The proposals, which have sparked criticism from telecommunications and cable companies, represent a reversal from the Bush Administration, when regulators cut back on government control of Internet and telephone service.
The new commission, controlled by Democrats, is considering whether more government control is needed to ensure competition and more affordable Internet service.
The FCC staff will float possible solutions in December and make formal recommendations in February, when it is set to release its National Broadband Plan, a blueprint for improving broadband speed and access. Congress asked the FCC for the plan earlier this year.
FCC officials estimate it could cost anywhere from $20 billion to $350 billion to connect all American households to high-speed Internet service, depending on speed offered.
They haven't yet said how much of that investment might come from taxpayers.
The agency is looking at three politically charged proposals to reach its goal of universal broadband access.