CWA Says Congress Must Act Now to Affirm FCC Authority to Protect Internet Consumers

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) has filed comments in response to the FCC's Title I/Title II Notice of Inquiry to "identify the legal approach that will best support its efforts to ensure universal access to affordable, high-quality broadband services."

Chairman Genachowski has proposed reclassification of broadband Internet service as a Title II telecommunications service. Broadband Internet service is currently classified as a Title I information service. The recent Comcast court case called into question the FCC's authority over broadband.

Going the Title II reclassification route will lead to years of legal wrangling that will delay implementation of the National Broadband Plan and lead to less job-creating network investment. CWA believes that the fastest and best route to protect consumers and stimulate investment is for Congress to step in to pass narrowly targetted legislation that clarifies FCC authority in a number of critical areas.

Specifically, legislation should affirm the FCC's ability to reform the universal service fund to support broadband and to protect consumers' right to an open Internet.

According to CWA's filing:

"What is needed is targeted legislation that clarifies the Commission's authority to implement the NBP and to adopt appropriate rules in the Open Internet proceeding while, at the same time, preserving broadband network providers' incentives to make job-creating investments in their networks and their flexibility to innovate over those networks.

Comments of Communication Workers of America in the Matter of Framework for Broadband Internet Service