PolicyBlog

Below is the statement we released today: Verizon Statement on Federal Communications Commission’s Proposed Network Neutrality Rulemaking    WASHINGTON – The Federal Communications Commission today approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on network neutrality.  The following is a statement by Tom Tauke, Verizon executive vice president of public affairs, policy and communications:  “The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking announced today appears to be a substantial improvement from what we... Read More

Broadband take-up by U.S. households and businesses is among the strongest in the world, at least three times larger than the 20-percent level claimed by a European Commission spokesman quoted by the NYT. The number cited in the article is simply wrong. The Pew Research and Internet Life Project reported in June that 63 percent of U.S. households have broadband access. Leichtman Research Group research points to a level greater than two-thirds.  Among those who don’t subscribe to broadband,... Read More

Saul Hansell writes in the NYT “Bits” blog that Verizon is one of the companies that could use tax credits contained in legislation being developed in the U.S. Senate to deploy additional broadband.   We believe that federal policy should encourage investment in a new ultra high-speed communications infrastructure.  We also believe tax credits are the best way to encourage additional deployment of ultra high-speed networks across the country that will generate jobs, stimulate the economy,... Read More

 Thought our Policyblog friends would want to see this statement on the Vermont Public Service Board order:  MONTPELIER, Vermont --  The Vermont Public Service Board today denied approval of the transaction between Verizon and FairPoint.  The Board noted that its order did not consider the terms of the stipulation recently filed by the parties in Maine, and invited the applicants to submit a proposal to address its remaining concerns.Verizon and FairPoint announced in January definitive... Read More

In a town replete with conspiracy theories, XO Communications CEO Carl Grivner test flew a real doozy in his Washington Post letter published on Friday, “And Now, for the FCC’s Next Trick.” Likening members of the FCC to corrupt Roman emperors, he suggests the agency’s recent action to increase cable TV choice for apartment dwellers is a mere “bread and circuses” sop to the masses to distract them from its dark deeds to come. Unfortunately for Grivner, his colorful invective fails to divert... Read More

A bit of good news for consumers – and those at this company and others vying for their business – may have gone unnoticed by some over the long weekend. Friday evening, the Federal Communications Commission issued a news release with the headline “FCC Replaces Outmoded Long-Distance Rules With New Protections For Consumers.”  Those outmoded rules required companies like Verizon, AT&T and Qwest to offer in-region, long-distance service through a separate subsidiary in order to avoid the various... Read More

Just in case anyone isn’t clear about Verizon’s current stance on the 700MHZ spectrum, here is our statement released Wednesday evening:  “Verizon’s position is that the Federal Communications Commission should not impose ‘open access’ conditions on the 700 MHz spectrum.  The record compiled at the FCC does not justify these conditions.  Imposing any such requirements in the competitive wireless market would reduce the revenue the government will receive from the spectrum auction and limit the... Read More

In the frenzy of the MSM coverage yesterday, I forgot to post this.  Here's Verizon’s statement on the FCC’s pro-consumer decision yesterday.  Technology Liberation Front says: “The deregulatory milestone is a victory for consumers, who will benefit from more rapid investment in competitive video offerings.…”  It's also discussed here and here.  Rep. Markey (D-MA) promises hearings here.   VZ News Release: FCC Decision Speeds Cable TV Competition Agency Puts Consumer Video Choice on ‘Fast... Read More

Will they or won’t they?   This may not be earth-shattering news to the techno-policy elite.  But, we aren’t placing high odds on Congress enacting ‘cable TV choice’ reform this year.  Yes, the House produced a clear, bipartisan vote in favor, the Senate committee approved it, and survey research indicates strong popular support.  But, who knows if a lame duck Senate will muster 60 votes to beat the threatened ‘net neutrality’ filibuster? What we do know is that ‘choice’ marches on at the state... Read More