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Internet Service Providers

All articles tagged with #internet service providers

technology1 year ago

"Net Neutrality Under Threat: The Battle for Fair Internet Access"

Critics are concerned that the FCC's proposed rules for Internet service providers may allow harmful fast lanes for certain applications, as the plan doesn't explicitly ban "positive" discrimination. This could lead to ISPs charging extra for faster gaming or specific types of content, as carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon are testing ways to create 5G fast lanes. The draft order, scheduled for an April 25 vote, rejects the request to ban selective speeding, arguing that the FCC's definition of "throttling" already encompasses a wide variety of conduct that could impair or degrade an end user's ability to access content.

technology1 year ago

"FCC Mandates 'Nutrition Labels' for Internet Service Providers' Plans"

The FCC has mandated new broadband “nutrition labels” for all wired and wireless internet service providers (ISPs) to provide transparent information about plan costs, speeds, and hidden fees, resembling food product ingredient lists. T-Mobile and other ISPs have begun displaying these labels, aiming to eliminate surprises on monthly bills and empower consumers to make informed choices when selecting broadband plans. The labels, resembling nutritional labels on food packaging, are a result of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and are intended to provide valuable data for consumers to compare plans more easily.

technology1 year ago

"Internet Providers Required to Display Broadband 'Nutrition Labels' for Consumer Transparency"

Internet service providers are now required by the Federal Communications Commission to provide "nutrition" labels for broadband services, detailing monthly price, internet speed range, data limits, network management and privacy policies, customer support contacts, and additional charges. These labels aim to help consumers compare plans more easily and make informed decisions. President Biden referred to the move as an effort to eliminate junk fees, and the labels are a result of an October 2023 FCC rule. Some providers have already implemented the labels ahead of the federal deadline.

technology1 year ago

"FCC Mandates 'Nutrition Labels' for Internet Plans to Prevent Consumer Rip-Offs"

The FCC's "nutrition labels" for internet service providers are now enforced, requiring ISPs to document everything in users' monthly bills, making it easier for consumers to understand what they're paying for. The labels include information on plan names, prices, speeds, early termination fees, data usage, privacy policies, and discounts. Consumers can use these labels to compare services and make informed decisions. The FCC has also raised the broadband standard to 100 Mbps download speed and 20 Mbps upload speed, but many people still lack access to fast broadband.

technology1 year ago

"FCC Mandates Transparent Broadband Pricing with 'Nutrition Labels'"

After an eight-year battle, the FCC has mandated that broadband providers must display "nutrition labels" detailing costs, fees, and speeds of their plans, aiming to help consumers compare and avoid hidden fees. The labels will include monthly prices, data allowances, speeds, and links to discounts, and will be available online and in stores. Major ISPs have fought the rule, citing cost and complexity, while critics argue it doesn't address regional monopolies. With a low-income broadband program set to expire, the lack of competition in many areas remains a concern. Verizon, Google Fiber, and T-Mobile have already released labels, with a deadline for compliance set for April 10th for major ISPs and October 10th for smaller ones.

technology1 year ago

"Cable Lobby Threatens Prolonged Legal Battle Against Blocking and Throttling Bans"

The Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on restoring net neutrality rules, which would prohibit broadband providers from blocking, slowing down, or creating pay-to-play Internet fast lanes. This move has been met with praise from consumer advocacy groups but strong opposition from cable lobby groups, who have vowed "years of litigation" to avoid the reinstatement of these regulations. The cable industry argues that the federal standard will hurt their businesses and consumers, potentially interfering with the Biden administration's plan to expand broadband access with a $42.45 billion grant program.

technology1 year ago

"FCC to Vote on Restoring Net Neutrality Rules"

The FCC will vote on April 25th on a proposal to restore net neutrality rules, potentially reclassifying internet service providers as common carriers and bringing stricter regulations. The move aims to prevent ISPs from treating internet traffic differently, such as throttling or blocking. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel introduced the proposal, emphasizing the need to secure broadband networks, protect consumer data, and ensure an open internet. Critics argue that the move is unnecessary and anti-consumer, while the FCC believes it will lead to greater oversight, cybersecurity standards, and national security protection. If approved, the reclassification and rules will take effect 60 days after publication.

legal-business1 year ago

"Appeals Court Overturns $1 Billion Copyright Verdict Against Cox Communications"

Cox Communications successfully appealed a $1 billion jury verdict in favor of major record labels, accused of failing to prevent user piracy, leading to a new trial to determine damages. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the amount of damages was not justified and that a federal district court should hold a new trial. The labels' attorney affirmed Cox's willful infringement, while Cox disagreed with the ruling, stating that providing broadband service should not be a violation of copyright law. The case is seen as a test of the obligations of internet service providers to thwart piracy, with other ISPs also facing similar lawsuits from record labels.

technology2 years ago

"Government's Plan to Restore Net Neutrality Sparks Debate Among Cable Companies and Politicians"

Netflix is reentering the fight for net neutrality as the government considers restoring open internet rules. The streaming giant is advocating for regulations that would prevent internet service providers from imposing additional fees to avoid content blocking or throttling. With its massive subscriber base and the evolving streaming landscape, Netflix argues that open internet policies are crucial for fostering competition and innovation. The company also highlights the potential for ISPs to favor affiliated services, impacting consumer choice and market competition.

technology2 years ago

Broadband Providers Oppose FCC's Digital Discrimination Rules, Citing Micromanagement

Internet service providers and their lobby groups are opposing a plan by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prohibit discrimination in access to broadband services. The ISPs are particularly concerned about the proposal to require non-discriminatory pricing. While consumer advocates generally support the plan, they criticize the lack of transparency in the complaint handling process and the rules' failure to apply retroactively. ISPs argue that the rules are too broad and should focus solely on broadband deployment, excluding price regulation. If approved, the rules are likely to face legal challenges from ISPs and their trade groups.

technology2 years ago

"Net Neutrality Rules Spark Regulatory Battle as FCC Votes Party-Line"

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted 3-2 along party lines to move forward with a plan to restore net neutrality rules and reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act. This move would allow the FCC to regulate internet service providers (ISPs) under common-carrier provisions. The proposal seeks public comment on the broadband regulation plan, and after the comment period, the FCC is expected to finalize the rulemaking and reinstate the 2015 net neutrality rules. The broadband industry is likely to challenge the rulemaking in court. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel argues that Title II regulation is necessary not only for net neutrality but also to protect national security and privacy on broadband networks.

technology2 years ago

The Battle for Net Neutrality: FCC vs. AT&T

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken its first step towards reinstating net neutrality by voting in favor of a notice of proposed rulemaking. The proposal aims to reclassify broadband as a common carrier under Title II of the Telecommunications Act, imposing stricter rules and oversight on internet service providers (ISPs) to ensure equal treatment of all internet traffic. The public will have the opportunity to comment on the proposal before a final vote is taken. The Biden administration has prioritized the restoration of net neutrality, which was repealed during the Trump administration. Critics argue that the regulations are unnecessary and unlawful, while proponents highlight past instances of ISPs violating net neutrality principles.

technology2 years ago

"FCC's Renewed Net Neutrality Push Sparks Controversy and Legal Debate"

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to restore net neutrality, fulfilling the Biden administration's vision of re-implementing the Obama-era policy. The agency, now with a Democratic majority, plans to reclassify broadband internet as a common carrier, subject to increased oversight and regulations. Net neutrality ensures that internet service providers treat all traffic equally, without blocking or slowing down certain sites or charging extra fees. Proponents argue that the internet has become an essential part of American life and should be regulated accordingly, while opponents claim it will stifle innovation and competition. The reclassification process will likely face legal challenges and potential opposition from Republicans.

technology2 years ago

"Net Neutrality Regains Protection as FCC Reintroduces Rules"

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to reintroduce net neutrality rules that would designate internet service as "essential telecommunications," banning internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking or slowing down access to websites and online content. The proposed rules also aim to prevent ISPs from selectively speeding up service to favored websites or those that pay extra fees. The FCC's chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel, will unveil the proposal on Tuesday, with a vote scheduled for October 19. If successful, the rules could lead to further regulations on the broadband industry. The lack of federal legislation has resulted in flip-flopping rules for ISPs with each change of political administration.

technology2 years ago

"US FCC Chair Pushes for Net Neutrality Restoration Amid Democratic Panel Control"

The chair of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Jessica Rosenworcel, plans to reinstate net neutrality rules that were rescinded under former President Donald Trump. Democrats now hold majority control of the FCC, and an initial vote on the proposal is expected in October. Net neutrality rules, which were adopted in 2015 under President Barack Obama, prevent internet service providers from blocking or throttling traffic or offering paid fast lanes. Rosenworcel's move aligns with President Joe Biden's executive order to encourage the FCC to reinstate these rules.