Is the Internet a Phone Company

[Ted Fischer <ted () fred net>]

</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>