Dingell: No Premature Broadband Plan Rulemakings, Please

Former House Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-MI) has asked the Federal Communications Commission not to adopt any "premature" rulemakings on the National Broadband Plan without consulting Congress first.

Rep Dingell said he was "anxious" about the process of adopting the plan, which is due to Congress March 17. It is widely expected to be a blueprint for action, followed by rulemakings to implement some of the proposed policies. "While the plan is essential to improving the nation's broadband infrastructure and access to it," said the congressman, "I believe its implementation must proceed as a collaborative effort between the Congress and the Commission." "Premature rulemaking action by the Commission to implement the National Broadband Plan's recommendations very well may be counterproductive to the goals I have just outlined, and as such, I have sent a letter to Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski urging him to coordinate with the Congress in implementing the plan," he said.