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[IP] Chairman Powell Remarks On Preserving Open Broadband Platforms




Delivered-To: dfarber+@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Mon, 09 Feb 2004 17:18:56 -0800
From: "Wong, Brian" <brianwong@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Chairman Powell Remarks On Preserving Open Broadband Platforms
To: "'Farber, Dave'" <dave@xxxxxxxxxx>

Dave, you may be interested in my brief summary of Chairman Powell's February 8, 2004 prepared remarks "Preserving Internet Freedom: Guiding Principles For The Industry," presented at the Silicon Flatirons Symposium on "The Digital Broadband Migration: Toward a Regulatory Regime for the Internet Age."

The Chairman discussed the importance of ensuring that broadband platforms remain open. He noted a "few troubling restrictions" which have appeared in broadband service plan agreements, including "cable companies' early efforts to impose restrictions on use of virtual private networks, WiFi and home networking equipment and on operation of servers in the home." The Chairman noted press reports alleging that "at least one cable company has not provided enough guidance to intensive broadband users regarding the bandwidth limits of their service plans."

The Chairman found "the case for government imposed regulations regarding the use or provision of broadband content, applications and devices is unconvincing and speculative." However, he challenged the broadband network industry "to preserve the following 'Internet Freedoms:'"

* Freedom to Access Content. Consumers should have access to their choice of legal content. * Freedom to Use Applications. Consumers should be able to run applications of their choice. * Freedom to Attach Personal Devices. Consumers should be permitted to attach any devices they choose to the connection in their homes.

* Freedom to Obtain Service Plan Information. Consumers should receive meaningful information regarding their service plans.

The complete text of the remarks are here:
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-243556A1.doc>http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-243556A1.doc

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