Open Networks

In the present Notice of Inquiry, the Commission seeks comment on the clarity, accuracy and thoroughness of information available to consumers when they choose a communications service provider; choose a service plan; manage the use of their service plan; and decide to switch providers or plans. The Notice of Inquiry properly expands on past investigations, raising questions about not just billing practices but also sales practices more broadly, including point-of- sale disclosures that drive consumer purchase decisions.

The Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union, Free Press, Media Access Project, the New America Foundation, and Public Knowledge (together, the "Public Interest Commenters") respectfully submit this reply to initial comments filed in the above-captioned docket1 in response to the Commission's Notice of Inquiry (the "Notice"). The majority of those initial comments confirmed the Public Interest Commenters' conclusion that the mobile wireless ecosystem, including the commercial mobile services market itself and a range of upstream and

The mobile wireless marketplace is not effectively competitive. Public interest groups Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union, Free Press, Media Access Project, New America Foundation, and Public Knowledge (together, the "Public Interest Commenters"), demonstrated the lack of effective competition in that marketplace earlier this year when the Commission sought comment for the preparation of its annual CMRS report. The Commission now seeks to expand the scope of its review to account for the dynamic operation of the entire

...Markham Erickson, Jacob Glick, Marvin Ammori and Robb Topolski of the Open Internet Coalition argued that innovation could be stifled by practices such as throttling...

The new NoChokePoints coalition, launched Monday, has nearly 20 members, including Public Knowledge, Sprint Nextel, TW Telecom and the New America Foundation. The groups called on the US Federal Communications Commission to reform the fee structure for ...

The Internet’s success and importance to society is predicated on its open architecture. This openness was maintained as the Internet evolved from a network of academics to its current widespread use, allowing consumers to access any legal content, service, or application, developers to innovate without permission, and users to transmit any information desired without interference from an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Executive Summary

March 25, 2009

Via Electronic Mail

Marlene H. Dortch Office of the Secretary Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, SW Washington, DC 20554

Re: Rural Broadband Strategy (GN Docket No. 09-29)

Dear Ms. Dortch:

"It is unthinkable that you could only use a Macintosh on an AT&T connection," says Michael Calabrese, vice-president at the New America Foundation, which is chaired by Google Chief Executive Officer Eric Schmidt. Google (GOOG) has helped develop phone ...