FCC Focuses in on Key Issues in Neutrality Debate

Internet neutrality has been the focus of a lot of private discussions in Washington over the last month or two.  As has been widely reported, the FCC tried hosting a series of stakeholder negotiations; Google and Verizon jointly proposed a possible policy framework; and the trade group ITI has been trying to develop a compromise.

Amidst all these private discussions, it's worth remembering that there are live, public FCC proceedings on the subject as well.  Yesterday, the FCC issued a notice that makes clear that the agency remains active on this front, continuing to devote substantial effort and resources to resolving the key outstanding policy questions.  Informed by the various sets of discussions, the FCC has identified two tricky areas — "specialized" services and the treatment of wireless — where it seeks further public comment.  These issues aren't exactly new ones in the debate, but they do seem to be the issues that the private talks have flushed out as the biggest points of contention.  CDT takes it as a good sign that the FCC is rolling up its sleeves to grapple with the most contentious issues.