FCC approves BROADBAND over POWERLINES as Information Services to expedite Nationwide Deployment !!!

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November 3, 2006

SOURCE: www.FCC.GOV

FCC CLASSIFIES BROADBAND OVER POWER LINE-ENABLED INTERNET
ACCESS AS “INFORMATION SERVICE”

Classification Provides Certainty for BPL Providers to Increase Broadband Deployment
Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission today declares
Broadband over Power Line (BPL)-enabled Internet access service to be an information service.
The order places BPL-enabled Internet access service on an equal regulatory footing with other
broadband services, such as cable modem service and DSL Internet access service. Competition
among broadband services providers will provide consumers with more and better services at
lower prices.
Specifically, the Order finds that the transmission component underlying BPL-enabled
Internet access service is “telecommunications,” and that the provision of this
telecommunications transmission component as part of a functionally integrated, finished BPLenabled
Internet access service offering is an information service. This approach is consistent
with the framework that the Commission has established for cable modem service and wireline
broadband Internet access service, furthering the Commission’s goal of regulating like services
in a similar manner.
In reaching these determinations, the Commission provides regulatory certainty regarding
the classification of this service, thereby encouraging deployment of BPL-enabled Internet
access to consumers.
Action by the Commission, November 3, 2006, by Memorandum Opinion and Order (FCC 06-
165). Chairman Martin, Commissioner Tate, with Commissioners Copps and Adelstein
concurring, and Commissioner McDowell not participating. Separate statements issued by
Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, and Tate.

WC Docket No.: 06-10
Wireline Competition Bureau Staff Contact: Adam Kirschenbaum, 202-418-7280;
adam.kirschenbaum@fcc.gov.

-FCCNews
about the Federal Communications Commission can also be found
on the Commission’s web site www.fcc.gov.