Press

Public Knowledge Files Comments in Trans-Atlantic Free Trade Agreement

May 10, 2013

Today, Public Knowledge filed comments about the proposed United States- European Union Free Trade Agreement, the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). In the comments we highlight the importance of open and inclusive negotiations, so that those most affected by the agreement can have a say in the outcome. Public Knowledge also recommended that copyright be taken out of the trade agreement. If the USTR is to include copyright, it should ensure that the agreement preserves Congress' ability to change U.S. copyright law.

The following can be attributed to Rashmi Rangnath, Staff Attorney. 

"Copyright issues are not suited for inclusion in trade agreements. Furthermore, international institutions, like the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), already deal with copyright in the international space. 

FCC Appoints Commissioner Mignon Clyburn Acting FCC Chair

May 01, 2013

Today, the White House named Commissioner Mignon Clyburn acting Chair of the Federal Communications Commission

Public Knowledge issued the following statement in response to the announcement:

"We are delighted that Commissioner Clyburn has been appointed acting Chair of the FCC. During her time at the agency, she has been a passionate voice for the underserved and underrepresented. Commissioner Clyburn has supported the cause of an open Internet, broadband for all Americans, robust competition and strong consumer protection. She has taken up matters, like prison phone justice, that  don't make headlines, but make our society more just.  

"We urge acting Chair Clyburn to be more than a mere placeholder for the permanent Chair. She should take action to implement  President Obama's agenda of broadband competition, consumer protection and fairness. We look forward to her stewardship during a very critical time for the Commission."  

Public Knowledge Statement on Tom Wheeler as Chair of the FCC

April 30, 2013

The Wall Street Journal and other sources are reporting that the President will nominate Tom Wheeler, Managing Director of Core Capital Partners, to replace outgoing Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski. 

The following statement may be attributed to Gigi B. Sohn, President and CEO of Public Knowledge:

“As someone who has known Tom for years, I believe that he will be an independent, proactive Chairman who will not allow the FCC to become irrelevant as broadband becomes the dominant mode of communication in this country.  I also expect that he will carry out the President’s communications policy agenda, which includes strong open Internet requirements, robust broadband competition, affordable broadband access for all Americans, diversity of voices and serious consumer protections, all backed by vigorous agency enforcement.  

Rep. Lofgren Introduces Bill to Legalize Circumvention, Protect Phone Unlocking

April 26, 2013

Today, Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), joined by Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), and Jared Polis (D-CO), introduced the "Unlocking Technology Act," a bill that would make sure that cell phone unlocking is legal. The bill also takes the substantial additional step of ensuring that people making lawful uses of copyrighted works won't be sued if they circumvent DRM in order to do so.

The following can be attributed to Sherwin Siy, Vice President of Legal Affairs for Public Knowledge:

Public Knowledge Commends Rep. Goodlatte for Moving the Conversation on Copyright Reform Forward

April 24, 2013

Today, House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) announced that the House Judiciary Committee will begin a process to examine copyright law and possible reforms.

Public Knowledge Brings 3D Printing to Capitol Hill

April 24, 2013

What: 3D/DC II: 3D Printing Comes to Washington

Who: More than 20 representatives from the 3Dprinting community from across the country will be in D.C. to showcase the sophistication and practicality of 3D printing

When: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 from 5: 30pm-7: 30pm

Where: Cafeteria, Basement Floor, Rayburn House Office Building

Public Knowledge Applauds the Introduction of the Broadband Affordability Act

April 23, 2013

Today, Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, along with Energy and Commerce ranking member Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee ranking member Anna Eshoo (D-CA), introduced the Broadband Affordability Act of 2013. This bill would modernize the Universal Service Fund Lifeline Assistance Program to include broadband access. By making broadband access more affordable for low income communities there is an opportunity to bridge the digital divide. 

These changes to the Lifeline Program ensure low income Americans access to the communications networks of the future. As the transition to an all-IP communications infrastructure procedes, it's imperative that every American has access to affordable and dependable communications services. 

Public Knowledge Statement on the Passing of Robert "Bob" Edgar

April 23, 2013

The following is Public Knowledge's statement on the untimely passing of our friend and colleague Bob Edgar:

"Bob was an inspiring person to work with and always worked for the public's best interest. His constant fight for a transparent and responsible government was exemplified in his service in the US House of Representatives for 12 years and continued when he became the president and CEO of Common Cause in 2007. Bob understood the importance of communications and worked to preserve principals of democracy therein. We'll miss Bob, and keep his family in our thoughts during this difficult time."

Internet Video Stars Ask Senate For Data Cap Leadership

April 18, 2013

Today, more than 20 members of the online video community sent a letter to Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) calling for leadership on data caps. The letter highlights the FCC’s transition to new leadership as an opportunity to talk about the impact data caps will have on the creators of some of the most watched content on the web.

“During this time of leadership transition at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), we urge you to take steps to assure the continued viability of independent online video programming. Specifically, we urge you to consider the impact of broadband data caps on the future of our industry.

These content creators are an example of how online video is being used to serve communities underserved by traditional media. With more than 3.8 billion views combined, these producers are worried that data caps may inhibit their opportunity to reach their fans.

Public Knowledge Urges FCC to Listen to the DoJ and Adopt Pro-Consumer Spectrum Policies

April 12, 2013

Yesterday, the Department of Justice filed a memorandum with the FCC outlining how the FCC should improve its spectrum policies in ways that promote competition and benefit consumers. For years, the FCC's rules have allowed a few carriers to acquire vast spectrum holdings, which limits the ability of smaller, rural, and regional carriers to provide service. This leads to high prices and limited choice for consumers, and allows the largest carriers to use their power to control handsets and the pace of wireless innovation.

The following statement can be attributed to John Bergmayer, Senior Staff Attorney at Public Knowledge: