last disinterest and the National Broadband Plan are both alive and well . Contrary to the media hysteria and expert punditry in thewake of a US territory court of law decisionrejecting effort by the FCC to impose its will on Comcast , there were no wide implications regarding the general sureness of the FCC .

The court determination was a specific ruling about a specific incident , based on the specific condition and methods used by the FCC at the meter it sought to stop Comcast from arbitrarily discriminate against peer - to - peer connection traffic . The homage ruling in that specific case does not imply that theFCC has no authorityto oversee entities like Comcast , just that the FCC break to do so properly in that special instance .

FCC chairwoman Julius Genachowski explained in a argument : “ The court decision earlier this week does not change our broadband insurance policy goal , or the ultimate sureness of the FCC to dissemble to achieve those finish . The lawcourt did not question the FCC ’s goals ; it merely invalidated one proficient , effectual mechanism for broadband policy take by prior Commissions . ”

The FCC , unhindered by the court determination in the Comcast case , is exhibit forward with decision to beginimplementing aspects of the National Broadband Plan . The2010 Broadband Action Agendais comprised of four major enterprise :

Genachowski described the FCC order of business for 2010 in the write statement . “ Our execution plan lays out a roadmap for see the light world-wide service to connect all Americans to broadband , include in rural areas ; let loose spectrum , promoting competition and supporting small business ; protecting and gift consumers ; safeguarding on - line privacy ; increase adoption in all biotic community and ensuring fair access code for people with disabilities ; protect broadband net against cyber flak and other disasters ; and ensuring that all user can reach 911 in an emergency .

In pursuit of these initiatives , the FCC has planned more than 60 rulemaking and notice - and - gossip proceedings . It is the destination of the FCC to lead off implementing the National Broadband Plan through these open , participatory sessions – cater ampleopportunity for all interested parties to contributeto the process . ”

Genachowski summed up by stressing : “ It is essential that the Commission act on this roadmap to protect America ’s global competitiveness and help deliver the sinful benefits of broadband to all Americans . ”

The FCC has established a Web site where you may track the progress of steps taken to follow through the National Broadband Plan . TheBroadband Action Agenda siteallows users to go direct to specific chapters and section of the National Broadband Plan to read it online , or simply download the complete text edition . user can also partake in stories of why access to high - speed broadband is crucial .

Opponents of net neutrality can brush up the confetti and put the cork back in champagne . The company lionize the end of FCC authority and the destruction of nett disinterest efforts was a tad premature .

As Iwrote back in January : “ Comcast die hard in this charm could be just the motivator need to force FCC campaign to acquire formal net disinterest rules . ” Contrary to demonstrate that the FCC has no authority over Internet and broadband providers , the court conclusion simply evidence why a formalized set of net disinterest rule is necessary .

[ Tony Bradley is co - author ofUnified Communications for Dummies . ]