FCC, AT&T, and Internet for All

[chanel]

The proposal would use subsidies to help connect "virtually all" U.S. citizens to high-speed Internet, or broadband, within five years, the companies said in a filing with the FCC. Rates charged for connecting calls would be set at a "single, low default rate," according to the filing.

AT&T and Verizon would be the "largest and most conspicuous beneficiaries" of the changes because they are the largest payers of connection fees, Andrew Lipman, a Washington- based communications lawyer with Bingham McCutchen LLP, said in an interview.

The proposal would lower the fees that smaller regional companies receive for connecting calls, Arbogast and Kaut wrote. In return the companies could increase monthly subscriber charges to consumers and would receive subsidies, which also would be directed toward more Internet connections.

Read more: AT&T, Verizon Ask FCC to Cut Fees, Change $4 Billion Fund

It's for the children, of course.


Comments?