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Verizon Blasts 'Outdated' FCC Broadband Plan
Bing, bang, boom! Verizon Communications has denounced the Federal Communications Commission's National Broadband Plan just a week after praising it. VP Thomas Tauke said the FCC plan would hinder innovation and investment. Verizon urged better security and proposed a different plan. Republican House members have also criticized the plan.
Verizon Vice President Thomas Tauke said the FCC didn't take enough time to write the rules and moved too quickly to use those rules to regulate the Internet. The rules are confusing and obscure, Tauke said at an event sponsored by the New Democrat Network.
"We want order, but we also don't want to hinder innovation and investment in this dynamic broadband and Internet marketplace," Tauke said.
His comments come just a week after Verizon released a statement saying it commended FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and the NBP Task Force for developing a coherent plan and addressing the array of broadband issues.
Verizon's Vision
After dissecting the 300-plus-page plan, Verizon made a few suggestions. Consumers should be in charge by being able to choose the devices, software, applications and access they want, according to Tauke.
Because companies are facing a slew of challenges, including five billion cyberattack threats monitored each day, privacy and security are a concern. The FCC needs to consider the privacy and security of U.S. Internet users utilizing social networking , online banking, and e-commerce, Verizon said.
But Verizon's biggest complaint is with subsidies. While the company said the FCC's plan to address facility-based deployment in high-cost areas is heading in the right direction, the plan needs a new approach to address providing low-income homes with Internet access.
Verizon suggested the FCC follow the same government subsidy programs currently in place such as fuel assistance and food stamps, where consumers receive direct support from the government.
Republican Opposition
The carrier's comments come after the FCC's plan was criticized by several Republican legislators in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Republicans objected Thursday to portions of the FCC's plan, saying it leaves broadband providers open to new regulations.
The plan would free 500 megahertz of airwaves for mobile broadband services over 10 years, and the FCC wants congressional authority to conduct auctions of the spectrum for both consumer and commercial purposes.
Open Internet
On Friday the FCC announced it will host a public workshop for its open-Internet proceedings. The workshop is April 28 in Seattle and will address how the Internet's openness can be preserved.
While the FCC hasn't announced an agenda for the workshop, the agency said it will look at historical and continued efforts to protect the open Internet in the U.S. and other countries. Attendees will also discuss the technological, economic and legal issues facing the FCC's proposed open-Internet policies.
Wireless Business Solution Zee Tawasha