@jbtaylor on tech

I'm a spokesman for Sprint. This personal site is where I share news stories and my views about our company, our phones and other devices. I also write a bit about tech policy, the wireless industry and life in Washington, D.C.

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Searching Net Neutrality

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Sprint's views on the FCC Net Neutrality announcement

Today, Vonya B. McCann, Sprint's senior vice president of government affairs issued the following statement in response to the FCC’s proposed net neutrality rules for broadband and wireless services:

Sprint has been a leader in preserving an open Internet, providing consumers and developers with access to the websites of their choice, information to ease the creation of new applications, dynamic and innovative devices, and affordable pricing that allow consumers to take advantage of broadband services.

Sprint commends the FCC for the careful and deliberate approach it has taken on this issue. It is an important next step in ensuring the freedom and openness of the Internet, while also recognizing the differences between fixed and mobile networks and the importance of providing all broadband providers with the flexibility to manage their networks.

While Sprint has not seen the details of the item, the outline proposed by Chairman Genachowski appears to be a fair and balanced approach to a difficult issue. With a new year on the horizon, we will be looking at the rules closely but are encouraged that the Commission appears to be ready to resolve this issue.

Sprint's Take on Possible FCC Regulation of Broadband

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via usatoday.com

Earlier today, the Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 to seek public comment on the best approach to regulate broadband.

Sprint's Vonya B. McCann, senior vice president of Government Affairs issued the following statement:

“Sprint looks forward to providing the FCC input on the issue of reclassification of broadband services and the manner in which broadband networks are regulated and managed.

In order for the FCC to successfully secure a vibrant and innovative future for broadband in America, it must take the steps necessary to promote a competitive broadband market. The reclassification issue has no affect on the FCC's broad regulatory authority to address critical inputs, such as special access circuits, to the provision of broadband service. Sprint understands, however, the importance of having a clear legal basis for any regulatory regime.

Sprint appreciates the thoughtful approach the FCC is taking on the complex issue of reclassification and will carefully review each of the FCC's alternative proposals for a future broadband regulatory regime."

Sprint's Reaction to FCC Chairman Genachowski's Remarks at CTIA

This morning in San Diego, Julius Genachowski, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission addressed attendees at the International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment Show. His remarks are important and worth a close reading. 

In reaction, Vonya B. McCann, our senior vice president of government affairs, said the following:

Sprint Nextel shares with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski the view that American business and consumers benefit from the deployment of 4G mobile broadband networks. At Sprint, we are proud to be the first and only nationwide wireless carrier to offer 4G in the United States. For Sprint customers, 4G isn’t the future, 4G is here now. Sprint 4G is available in 16 markets today and we expect to offer Sprint 4G service to over 120 million people in 80 markets by the end of 2010.

Sprint is particularly pleased that the Chairman recognizes that the wireless industry depends upon affordable, high capacity middle mile lines. Sprint has long held in proceedings before the FCC that the market for these special access lines is broken and must be fixed. We look forward to working with the FCC to resolve this issue as we believe leaving this matter unresolved is harmful to the country’s broadband economy.

Lastly, Sprint is pleased that the Chairman recognized that there are real and relevant differences between operating wired and wireless networks. Sprint wants customers to be able to access the applications and the Internet sites they want, when they want.  We look forward to working with Chairman Genachowski and the FCC as they create policies that meet the expectations of consumers, continue innovation in device development, and preserve the ability of carriers to manage networks in a reasonable and responsible manner.