The opposition
On top of the predictable Republican backlash to this Obama sponsored initiative, the latter commandment has raised alarm bells among US telco companies, specifically because it's intended to apply to wireless networks as well as fixed line ones.
Here are some excerpts from a statement issued by the CTIA (cellular telephone industries association) in response to Genachowski's speech:
"As we have said before, we are concerned about the unintended consequences Internet regulation would have on consumers considering that competition within the industry has spurred innovation, investment, and growth for the U.S. economy.
"As a justification for the adoption of rules, the Chairman suggested that one reason for concern ‘has to do with limited competition among service providers.' This is at the core of our concerns. Unlike the other platforms that would be subject to the rules, the wireless industry is extremely competitive, extremely innovative, and extremely personal.
"How do the rules apply to the single-purpose Amazon Kindle? How does it apply to Google's efforts to cache content to provide a better consumer experience? How about the efforts from Apple and Android, Blackberry and Nokia, Firefly and others to differentiate the products and services they develop for consumers? Should all product and service offerings be the same?"
All food for thought, and we'd like to know yours in the HEXUS.community discussion forums. We leave you with a video clip of Genachowski launching the initiative.
