CES 2010: Reports From FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski Session

US Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski was interviewed by CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro at a Super Session panel January 8 at CES 2010. 

Topics of discussion included Chairman Genachowski's efforts to modernize the FCC and his vision for the agency in the coming decade.

Genachowski and Shapiro also discussed developments in crafting new pro-competition policy, and the ability to develop incentives to keep mobile and hardwired broadband cheap.

At issue first was the FCC's authority to regulate a free and open Internet, brought to the surface by oral arguments being held that day in the Comcast v. FCC case in the Federal Appeals Court. Genachowski declined a direct reaction, stating he wasn't able to fully read the ruling due to being on the CES floor. He did go on to say the FCC needs to keep the Internet open and free to the people and open to everyone on a equal basis.

Competition in any market keeps people fair, the Chairman said. Access to competitors is what typically allows fair prices, but the way that most providers have always done it is contrary to competition.

The FCC's national broadband plan is due before Congress next month -- or rather, the month after that, which is March. That correction drew a few laughs from the crowd, who were probably aware that the Chairman called for a delay of about one month.

Keeping the regulatory process open, the Chairman went on to say, is the most important thing that allows anyone from the public or marketplace to have access to the information of inquests and panels. Public notices let people know when events are happening.

In general, Genachowski continued, the country should have had this plan years ago, for a full deployment of high speed broadband for America.