</lurk>
All,
Right from the Horse's Mouth:
Quote:
FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell applauded the Supreme Court's move to hear the case.
"The 9th Circuit's decision would have grave consequences for the future and availability of high-speed Internet connections in this country," he said in a statement. "High-speed Internet connections are not telephones."
Unquote:
Context: Mr. Powell's statement re: "The Supreme Court said Friday it will consider whether Internet providers should be allowed to sell their high-speed service over the cable television system."
Full article:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6645391/
Although I am not well versed in the particulars of this specific case, the statement itself would seem to have broad operational ramifications on how "High-speed Internet connections" are built marketed, and priced - at least in the U.S. The pressure for "extra-net" (if you'll pardon the marketing term) VOIP is immense, for example.
I would appreciate The List's - US as well as Non-US - reaction to this statement. It is the first time I have seen it so explicitly stated by someone who's opinion on this matter carries more than just a little weight.
Ted Fischer <lurk>