I just got off a media conference call with Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg.
They announced a new policy recommendation that would kill the Internet as we know it, if implemented by FCC Chair Julius Genokowski and other policy makers.
The old "wireline" Internet that will be irrelevant in a few years? We propose a "new, enforceable prohibition against discriminatory practices" on that.
New "wireless services" (aka the entire future of the Internet)? No equivalent nondiscrimination rules for that, but we'll "create enforceable transparency rules." That way, as Americans lose access to the free and open Internet, they can visibly watch it go away.
Just in case "wireless services" doesn't encompass the entire future of the Internet, a new class of "new services" is envisioned, which Schmidt and Seidenberg actively differentiated from "the public Internet." Basically, through private contracting, big corporations could deal directly with the Verizons and AT&Ts of the world to create the next YouTube, maybe dangle it without discrimination to the public just long enough for us to be hooked, and then discriminate like hell over it. But don't worry, the FCC will "monitor the development of these services."
Google, a company that I've long admired and currently hold thousands of dollars of stock in, just "went evil."
This letter was launched last week by 5 groups that use the Internet to organize millions of Americans around issues, and are now using the Internet to save the Internet itself -- Free Press, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, MoveOn, Credo Action, and ColorOfChange.
Why did Google cut this absurd deal, one that dramatically hurts its credibility in the online space?
I'm going to this panel tomorrow at 2pm, with Commissioner Copps of the FCC. He's one of the most powerful decision-makers in media policy, who can actually address the structural problems. In a Democratic administration, he'll be even more important.
I'm increasingly impressed by our ability as activists to work with internal allies in corporate America, Congress,, labor, think tanks, and within regulatory agencies. I expect a lot of this kind of networking at Yearlykos to take place.
Anyway, if you're coming to Yearlykos tomorrow, come to this panel. If you're not but have questions, leave them in the comments and I'll put them to Copps.
FCC's Michael Copps to Speak at YearlyKos
Commissioner will discuss future of the media with netroots activists and media reformers
Chicago -- As part of this week's YearlyKos Convention in Chicago, Free Press is convening a roundtable discussion with FCC Commissioner Michael Copps on the future of the media -- from broadcast to broadband.
WHAT: "A View from Washington: Winning a Better Media for Everyone"
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 2, 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: YearlyKos Convention, McCormick Place Convention Center, Room 401 a-c, Chicago
WHO: FCC Commissioner Michael Copps, media reform advocates, netroots activists
Commissioner Copps will explore how the netroots can work with Washington policymakers and public interest advocates to create more democratic media polices. His remarks will be followed by a moderated question-and-answer session.
Tomorrow marks a depressing day for fans of Internet radio stations and alternative newsmagazines of any political stripe. Corporate interests have successfully shepherded through bad business plans designed to choke off independent voices using the power of the purse.
Free Press just launched Free the iPhone. Now, I know this blog has been telco-heavy this week, and I want to explain what I'm trying to do by writing so much about the intricacies of internet and wireless policy. What does this have to do with building a more progressive America and a more functional progressive movement?
Powerful Democratic Congressman Ed Markey is holding a hearing on Wednesday titled 'Wireless Innovation and Consumer Protection'. But really, the hearing should be titled 'the iPhone Hearing', because that's what this is about. The launch of the iPhone is not just a consumer landmark, it's a significant moment in internet politics. Working Assets has already pointed this out with an action campaign, and their CEO Michael Kieschnick has a thoughtful post on the reactionary nature of the iPhone's locked in contract with AT&T.
Rather than explaining the situation myself, I'm going to turn to an expert, Ben Scott, the policy director for Free Press. Ben's a public interest lobbyist, and someone who has taught me a tremendous amount about telecom policy. Right now, there are a few confluent events that are inspiring a lot of debate around the public airwaves, and it all hinges on the iPhone and its immense significance.
I taped Ben's explanation of the situation in his office earlier today.
If you enjoyed this video, I'll try to tape other lobbyists and organizers in DC representing our interests. And don't forget to send a message to the FCC.
UPDATE: There's a potentially very important story out on the 700 spectrum auction, the massive airwaves being auctioned off this summer. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin is reportedly circulating rules that would force an open wireless network for the spectrum being sold off. If this is true, and I'm working to verify the story with some sources, it means a number of things. Well first and foremost, it means that we took an unexpected big step towards an open internet. Two, our grassroots pressure, combined with the business pressure, really showed regulators that there was a hunger for a different type of communications structure, and they are responsive. Three, someone must have convinced Kevin Martin that an open network is a profitable and sustainable model for business operators. Once again, I'm working to verify this, but it could be a very big deal.
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