Supreme Court Takes Broadband Regulation Case

Grotius writes "Reuters reported that the Supreme Court will hear a broadband regulation case that may determine whether FCC regulations apply to cable companies providing broadband services. This case is significant because the Court could determine that cable-based broadband is a 'telecommunications service' subject to FCC rules such as those requiring cable-companies to allow access to independent internet providers. The 9th Circuit has already held that FCC regulations apply to cable-companies providing broadband."

Re:Toaster-based broadband

[ravenspear]

Do FCC regulations apply to my toaster?

If your toaster radiates an electric field that could disrupt communications within a 6 inch radius, then yes, I wouldn't be surprised if the FCC chose to exercise supreme dominion over that.

Likely they will let in the smaller companies

[infonography]

Breaking the Ma Bell was good for america, the arguement would hold water here as well. Smaller operators would face what DSL providers face now. Which is poor service that the Babybells pass the buck on, danger of upstream providers i.e. the cable companies sniping their customers like they phone companies do now with DSL customers. Eventual buy outs from the cable companies as the startups work out the bugs in new tech and then get bought up. Cycle of life stuff. All wonderful from my point of view.