The time for compromise has passed on network neutrality

[Commentary] The Federal Communications Commission needs to realize what it is: a regulatory agency. Once it grasps that simple concept it should do what regulatory agencies do: regulate.

The FCC has played it safe since Julius Genachowski was installed as chairman by President Barack Obama. Chairman Genachowski has had enough time on the job to know when to get aggressive. That time is now. Congress has given Genachowski an entree to stop the FCC's dithering on network neutrality. The time for compromise has passed. Chairman Genachowski needs to do something. If not, he can expect to be lumped in with the past two chairman — Kevin Martin and Michael Powell — as regulators more concerned about catering to those they regulate than the American public.