FCC is expected to open proceeding today (Feb. 14) ’that could ha...

FCC is expected to open proceeding today (Feb. 14) “that could have profound and damaging effects on the future openness and diversity of the Internet and communications networks,” 2 consumer groups said Wed. At issue is broadband item on agenda for FCC open meeting that will look at regulatory framework for Bell company provision of Internet access such as DSL. FCC is considering notice of proposed rulemaking to determine whether such service is common carriage telecom service or information service. Difference could determine whether Bell has to make its Internet access service available to its competitors. Most regulation, including unbundling, is based on common carriage. Consumer Federation of America and Center for Digital Democracy said action could result in placing “the future of the broadband Internet squarely in the hands of a handful of large cable and telephone companies” because small telecom competitors would be shut out. “Cable and telephone giants will be free to engineer the broadband Internet and favor their affiliated Internet service and content providers as they see fit,” if proposal were approved, groups said. Item is outgrowth of concerns expressed by several commissioners when FCC approved SBC’s Ark. and Mo. Sec. 271 applications in late Nov. Comr. Copps said at time that rules weren’t clear on Bells’ DSL resale obligations.