FCC staffers, in particular in the Enforcement Bureau, are expected to play a big role in determining what business practices are permissible under the commission’s new net neutrality rules. Provisions in the rules that leave decisions to staffers who otherwise don’t play a policy role at the commission are being questioned by net neutrality opponents.

FCC staffers, in particular in the Enforcement Bureau, are expected to play a big role in determining what business practices are permissible under the commission’s new net neutrality rules. Provisions in the rules that leave decisions to staffers who otherwise don’t play a policy role at the commission are being questioned by net neutrality opponents.

Responding to attacks from net neutrality Communications Act Title II opponents, Netflix said Chief Financial Officer David Wells’ comments that the company would have preferred broadband service not be declassified were being mischaracterized. Title II opponents, including AT&T, the Free State Foundation and the Center for Boundless Innovation in Technology, had zeroed in on Wells’ statement: “Were we pleased that it pushed to Title II, probably not, right? I mean, we were hoping that there might be a non-regulated solution to it.” Wells made the comment Wednesday at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference, according to a recording of the speech. Wells, according to the recording and a transcript posted on Netflix’s blog Thursday, also said he was pleased with the net neutrality order and said why he thought ISPs should be treated as utilities.

Dish Network’s use of two designated entities (DEs) in the AWS-3 auction, alleged by some to be an effort to manipulate prices, is getting a look from the FCC. Whether Dish did anything that violates rules remains an open question, industry observers said.

Responding to attacks from net neutrality Communications Act Title II opponents, Netflix said Chief Financial Officer David Wells’ comments that the company would have preferred broadband service not be declassified were being mischaracterized. Title II opponents, including AT&T, the Free State Foundation and the Center for Boundless Innovation in Technology, had zeroed in on Wells’ statement: “Were we pleased that it pushed to Title II, probably not, right? I mean, we were hoping that there might be a non-regulated solution to it.” Wells made the comment Wednesday at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference, according to a recording of the speech. Wells, according to the recording and a transcript posted on Netflix’s blog Thursday, also said he was pleased with the net neutrality order and said why he thought ISPs should be treated as utilities.

Dish Network’s use of two designated entities (DEs) in the AWS-3 auction, alleged by some to be an effort to manipulate prices, is getting a look from the FCC. Whether Dish did anything that violates rules remains an open question, industry observers said.

After a four-year process that could continue with a legal challenge, the FCC Wireline Bureau circulated a draft order Wednesday that would authorize North America Portability Management to begin contract negotiations with Telcordia to become the next LNPA, the agency said. A senior agency official tentatively expected the item to be on the March 26 commission agenda.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s legislative proposal to substantially cut the state’s communications services taxes appeared to be well on the road to passage when the Florida Legislature convened Tuesday, with state observers telling us the proposal hasn’t encountered any opposition. The Republican governor proposed the tax cut, which would reduce revenue by $470 million, in late January (see 1501200064). Scott again pushed for the tax cut Tuesday during his state of the state address, saying the cut would save every Florida family around $43 per year if they spent a minimum of $100 per month on wireless and TV services. The tax cut is one of several communications and Internet-related bills the Florida Legislature will consider during this year’s session, which is to run through May 1.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s legislative proposal to substantially cut the state’s communications services taxes appeared to be well on the road to passage when the Florida Legislature convened Tuesday, with state observers telling us the proposal hasn’t encountered any opposition. The Republican governor proposed the tax cut, which would reduce revenue by $470 million, in late January (see 1501200064). Scott again pushed for the tax cut Tuesday during his state of the state address, saying the cut would save every Florida family around $43 per year if they spent a minimum of $100 per month on wireless and TV services. The tax cut is one of several communications and Internet-related bills the Florida Legislature will consider during this year’s session, which is to run through May 1.

Google was granted a preliminary injunction against Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood by U.S. District Court in Jackson, Mississippi, said a Digital Citizens Alliance (DCA) news release. Hood’s supporters told us Monday's ruling highlights Judge Henry Wingate’s diligence in such a high-profile case. Google advocates said the decision points to a higher likelihood of its eventual success in the case. The order wasn’t available in docket no. 3:14-cv-00981, and the court clerk didn’t comment.