The US Federal Communications Commission has opened a public inquiry on proposals to regulate broadband internet providers. The FCC said it's looking for a legal framework to support implementation of the National Broadband Plan as well as preserve the open internet. The regulator seeks comments on whether the existing classification of broadband internet service as an "information service" still has a proper legal base to support the regulator's tasks or whether ISPs should be grouped as providers of a "telecommunications service", making them subject to additional regulations under Title II of the Communications Act. The FCC has already said it favours a "third way" under which only a limited number of Title II provisions would be applied to ISPs. The public consultation also seeks comment on the appropriate classification of terrestrial wireless and satellite broadband internet services, as well other issues. Comments are due by 15 July. While a number of challenger and alternative operators have already said they support the FCC's proposals, much of the industry is against reclassifying broadband. Verizon called it a "terrible idea", saying the FCC was trying to make broadband fit into the "old telephone world". Its statement followed the same line as industry lobby group USTelecom, which said the FCC should seek authority from Congress before trying to regulate the internet. Mobile industry group CTIA said the FCC's proposal was "a dangerous solution in search of a non-existent problem" and if implemented, it would create an uncertain market environment deterring investment.
