5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • EE Learning Center
  • 5G Videos
  • Handbooks
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Design Guides
    • WiFi & the IOT Design Guide
    • Microcontrollers Design Guide
    • State of the Art Inductors Design Guide

FCC’s Wheeler Keeping Eye on AT&T’s Sponsored Data

By Ben Munson | January 9, 2014

In his first live appearance in Silicon Valley as chairman of the FCC, Tom Wheeler promised to watch carefully AT&T’s plans to offer sponsored data.

Wheeler voiced his support for the principles outlined in the Open Internet Order and advocated turning those principles into “justiciable practices on the basis of facts arising from specific circumstances.”

The specific circumstance of the moment is AT&T’s CES announcement that the carrier will begin offering sponsored content, allowing internet companies to cover the data costs of wireless customers accessing their mobile content. The move has drawn much criticism from proponents of net neutrality. The biggest fear is that internet companies pushing large amounts of particularly rich data will be able to buy preferential treatment and effectively shut out smaller competitors.

Wheeler made it clear the FCC’s role is “to assure that open access not only means getting on the network, but also getting to the network.”

He was clear that AT&T’s offer could lead to increased competition and efficiency and should not be prohibited out of hand. But he also acknowledged that sponsored data might not be that benign.

“I am not interested in protecting competitors from competition, nor am I interested in presiding over a festival of rent seeking. But I am committed to maintaining our networks as conduits for commerce large and small,” Wheeler said in prepared remarks.

Wheeler said that where “significant, persistent market power exists or significant negative externalities exist,” the FCC may intervene to protect public interest.

Wheeler’s speech today echoes comments he made yesterday at CES. At this year’s event in Las Vegas, Wheeler promised to monitor AT&T’s sponsored data and step in if the program endangers competition and an open internet.

Related Articles Read More >

QoE and QoS comparison
Benchmarking in 5G: More important than ever
iPhone 12
I bought a 5G phone, now what?
Key takeaways from 6G Symposium
Apple Iphone 12 5G
Apple announces 5G phone, next please

Special Issue: 5G Handbook

Need 5G Technology World news in a minute?

We Deliver!
5G Technology World Enewsletters get you caught up on all the mission critical news you need. Sign up today.
Enews Signup

EE World Online Twitter

Tweets by @RandDWorld

EE TRAINING CENTER CLASSROOMS

EE Classrooms
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • Contact Us
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • Wire & Cable Tips

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search 5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • EE Learning Center
  • 5G Videos
  • Handbooks
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Design Guides
    • WiFi & the IOT Design Guide
    • Microcontrollers Design Guide
    • State of the Art Inductors Design Guide