Press Releases

Earlier today, Comcast and General Electric formally asked the Federal Communications Commission to approve the merger of Comcast with NBC Universal.

The following statement is attributed to Harold Feld, legal director of Public Knowledge:

“We are incredulous that Comcast and NBCU would downplay Internet distribution of video at a time when the FCC has repeatedly identified online video as one of the primary drivers to broadband adoption.

“When the Commission considers any conditions to this transaction, it must take into account both existing online competitors and those the Commission hopes will emerge. The Commission must make certain competitors will have access to Comcast and NBC programming as the online market evolves.”

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) needs to make certain that it has solid legal authority to implement a wide-ranging National Broadband Plan that would serve the public interest, Public Knowledge told the FCC today. The comments are here.

In reply comments considering the FCC’s National Broadband Plan, Public Knowledge said the best course of action would be to change the regulatory classification of broadband services to make certain of the Commission’s authority. Doing so would remove “the shadow of uncertainty” that has hampered the Commission since 2002, when Internet access services offered by phone companies were removed from Title II jurisdiction under the Communications Act, which governs “common carrier” services like telephone, and placed in a more nebulous Title I.

The following statement is attributed to Harold Feld, legal director of Public Knowledge:

“The House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet today took two very significant actions to make new wireless capacity available for consumer need. At a time when mobile access to the Internet is exploding, these are important pro-active steps to averting a future crisis. The Subcommittee approved two bills that will help to bring some order to determining how wireless services will be provided.

“One bill, HR 3125, requires the government to find out which bands of spectrum are being used, for what purposes, and by federal agencies and private sector companies. This is an essential first step to going forward on a rational policy of improving wireless access for future needs.

The following statement is attributed to Gigi B. Sohn, president and co-founder of Public Knowledge:

“Secretary Clinton is to be commended for raising Internet Freedom to the level as a major element of our foreign policy. Her speech this morning served to highlight the incredible benefits that come from a free, interconnected network. We couldn’t agree more with her statement that, ‘Ultimately, this issue isn’t just about information freedom; it’s about what kind of world we’re going to inhabit. It’s about whether we live on a planet with one internet, one global community, and a common body of knowledge that unites and benefits us all.’

“At the same time, we should be aware of the benefits of an open Internet and telecommunications network must be protected domestically as well. While Secretary Clinton commented on the benefits of text messaging as a means of expression abroad, there are no legal protections for text messaging here.

The following statement is attributed to Gigi B. Sohn, president and co-founder of Public Knowledge:

“The FCC should be commended for acting today to help consumers gain access to programming that has been denied to them by a quirk in communications law. The so-called ‘terrestrial loophole’ allowed cable operators to withhold programming from competitors, to the detriment of consumers and of competition.

“The Commission relies heavily on the importance of video for broadband adoption. This underscores the importance of taking direct steps to encourage competition, investment and innovation in online video such as those previously recommended by Public Knowledge to promote the development of Internet-delivered, so-called ‘over-the-top’ video competitors and promote innovation and investment in set-top box applications and attachments.

Background: Acting on a petition filed by the Public Interest Spectrum Coalition, the FCC today issued an order banning the use of wireless microphones in the 700 MHz band. The order is here.

The following statement is attributed to Harold Feld, legal director of Public Knowledge:

“We thank the Commission for granting our Petition in a way that allows for rapid deployment of new wireless technologies while protecting consumers who bought wireless microphones in good faith. We are particularly pleased that the Commission will implement new signage requirements to curtail the previous deceptive advertising practices by wireless microphone manufacturers.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules to ensure an open Internet should not be used to enforce intellectual property law, six public-interest and business groups told the Commission today.

The Commission’s proposed definition of “reasonable network management” under its Net Neutrality rules would allow telephone, cable and wireless companies to prevent the transfer of unlawful content and prevent the unlawful transfer of content. There is no need for those copyright-related exceptions because the proposed rules already provide that ISPs must treat lawful content in a non-discriminatory manner, the groups said.

However, the rules could lead to “excusing overbroad techniques that interfere with lawful activities,” according to a filing submitted by Public Knowledge, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Computer and Communications Industry Association, Consumer Electronics Association, Home Recording Rights Coalition and NetCoalition.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has the legal authority it needs to protect consumers by ensuring the Internet remains open to consumers as a source for innovation, creativity and economic growth, five public interest groups were due to tell the Commission today. The FCC has proposed rules to implement “net neutrality,” a concept that would make certain that the companies operating the networks that connect consumers and businesses to the Internet couldn’t play favorites.

In its comments to the Commission, the groups agreed with the FCC that the Commission under what is called Title I authority of the Communications Act can implement rules making certain consumers can access the lawful content, applications and services of their choice.

Background: Today, the FCC Media Bureau issued an order allowing Cablevision to encrypt its basic video service. Public Knowledge had filed comments in the waiver expressing our concerns. The order is here.

The following statement is attributed to Harold Feld, Public Knowledge legal director:

“The unique facts presented in this case by Cablevision justified granting a waiver for encryption of basic cable service. We are also pleased that the Media Bureau will monitor Cablevision’s commitment to provide free set-top boxes.

“At the same time, we are still concerned that the Commission is proceeding on a case-by-case basis on a variety of set top box issues. Cablevision’s conversion to all-digital service is part of a broader cable digital transition that has been recognized as part of the Commission’s National Broadband Plan.

The following statement is attributed to Gigi B. Sohn, president and co-founder of Public Knowledge:

“We are pleased that the FCC has decided to take the extra time it needs to complete the National Broadband Plan. This is a very complex undertaking that will be crucial for the development of the American economy.

“We hope the Commission uses this time wisely to develop a bold strategy that will empower consumers to have new choices among Internet providers and will spur content and service creators to develop new features and functions to enhance the vibrant culture that is the Internet.”