MAP Expresses Disappointment in Reasoning on Ruling
Posted: Wednesday January 16, 2002
Media Access Project (MAP) issued the following statement reacting to today’s Supreme Court decision in NCTA v. Gulf Power Co.:
“This is the right result, but not the right reasoning. It is disappointing that the majority of the Court was willing to tolerate the FCC’s stalling tactics with respect to the underlying question of whether cable modem customers will be able to choose among competing Internet service providers. We agree with Justices Thomas and Souter, who said in their partial dissent that it was illegal and irresponsible for the FCC to avoid this important issue. If the Internet is to fulfill its potential for driving economic growth and expanding free expression, we need to require cable operators to offer Internet service with the same kinds of choices that are available from other providers.”
MAP filed a brief amicus curiae in this case on behalf of Consumers Union, Consumer Federation of America, United Church of Christ Office of Communication, Inc. and Center for Media Education.