Suit To Get Broadband Data Draws Industry Interest

SUIT TO GET BROADBAND DATA DRAWS INDUSTRY INTEREST
[SOURCE: Center for Public Integrity, AUTHOR: Drew Clark]
The Center for Public Integrity is leading an effort to find out more about which companies are providing high-speed Internet access throughout the United States so that citizens have a better understanding of their service options. A Center lawsuit filed under the Freedom of Information Act is attracting industry-wide interest. AT&T, Verizon Communications and three leading telecommunications trade groups filed court papers seeking to intervene or comment on the Center's lawsuit last week. The top cable association is also seeking to weigh in. In court papers filed Jan. 8, AT&T and Verizon, together with the United States Telecom Association (to which both companies belong), objected to the release of the broadband data. Wireless Communications Association International, a trade group representing a range of wireless broadband service providers, said that it had also objected. Separately, CTIA -- the wireless association formerly known as the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association -- supported the FCC in a "friend of the court" brief filed Jan. 8. A fourth association, the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, seeks to file a similar brief. The Department of Justice and the FCC filed their response to the Center's complaint on Jan. 8, the court-imposed deadline. The Center's reply to the government and to the intervening companies is due on Feb.12.
http://www.publicintegrity.org/telecom/report.aspx?aid=837