Comments on: Powell calls for legislative rethink

FCC chair says antiquated communications rules need overhaul.

[spec1alk]

sidewalk taxes

taxing internet telephony is like taxing me to walk on the sidewalk. the government has no place on the internet. it kind of scares me everytime I hear of the UN or the US Gov trying to play a role in policing the internet. It will just hinder innovation.

Case in point, what new technology has been introduced for traditional phone lines in the last 10 years? DSL? Cordless Phones? Pretty minor innovations because of the restrictions.

Now look at the internet. What has it done in the last 10 years? e-mail, im, voip, ebay/paypal, mp3's, filetrading, open-source, live audio/video streaming, the profitability of online stores(ie amazon.com).

I could write a 100 page essay on the benefits to open source software from the free, unrestricted nature of the internet and how it connects people. I could go on and on about the innovations of the internet in the last 3 years whereas telephone lines have stayed with the same technology due to the restrictions placed on it.

Like was mentioned in the article, look at wifi due to the FCC's hands-off approach to the 800 band.

If they start regulating VoIP whats next? Email? IM? Browsing? News? Radio?

How many of you wish you had spoken out a little louder against the DMCA? No one thought about it back then because we were short sighted and didnt realize the broad power it granted.

Be afraid, be very afraid.

[John Kuzak]

profitability of online stores

http://www.analogstereo.com/chrysler_sebring_owners_manual.htm

[LANjackal]

Just Keep VoIP Regulation-free

VoIP does NOT need regulation or taxation. 33% of my landline bill used to be state and federal charges. I don't need or want that. Keep VoIP unfettered.