WASHINGTON – The House and Senate Commerce Committees announced today that they intend to hold a series of stakeholder meetings on communications policy issues, including the Federal Communications Commission's authority over broadband. In response, Free Press Policy Counsel <strong>Aparna Sridhar</strong> made the following statement:

WASHINGTON -- In a letter today, Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), along with Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), requested hearings on the “legal validity and policy consequences” of the Federal Communications Commission’s efforts to restore its own authority over broadband providers. Rep. Barton claimed the effort will hinder the free market and threaten investment, jobs and broadband deployment.

WASHINGTON – Tomorrow, the Federal Communications Commission will consider a Notice of Inquiry that will ask for public comment on the best legal framework for carrying out the agency’s National Broadband Plan to bring fast, open and affordable Internet access to all Americans.

WASHINGTON – AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said today that if the Federal Communications Commission moves forward with its “third way” proposal to restore its oversight of broadband services, the company may cut back spending on its U-Verse home television and Internet service.

WASHINGTON – In a new video released today, a group of Internet celebrities with millions of online viewers and followers added their voices to the fight for the free and open Internet.

WASHINGTON – Today, four key senators, including Sen. <strong>John Kerry</strong> (D-Mass.), chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet; Sen. <strong>Maria Cantwell</strong> (D-Wash.); Sen. <strong>Ron Wyden</strong> (D-Ore.); and Sen.

WASHINGTON – Free Press filed comments on Monday supporting the Federal Communications Commission’s proposed changes to improve CableCARD rules for TV set-top boxes. In 1996, Congress ordered the FCC to implement rules to allow third-party devices like TiVo access to cable video streams, in order to compete in the set-top box market.

<p>WASHINGTON – In an effort to increase competition in the wireless broadband market, the Federal Communications Commission is proposing rules that will require wireless carriers to negotiate data roaming agreements with their competitors on reasonable terms. Free Press encourages the FCC’s actions and filed supportive comments in the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking today. <p>

WASHINGTON – In a House Appropriations Committee hearing Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski was questioned about the agency's authority over broadband, and it was suggested that the FCC wait for Congress to pass a law outlining its oversight powers.

WASHINGTON – In response to today’s announcement that an industry group had formed to examine network management practices, Free Press Policy Counsel <strong>M. Chris Riley</strong> made the following statement: