On March 14, 2002, the FCC adopted another major rulemaking, part of a series of actions, designed to promote widespread deployment of broadband services. The FCC settled a debate over the regulatory classification of cable modem service and launched a proceeding to examine the proper regulatory treatment of this service. In a Declaratory Ruling, the FCC concluded that cable modem service is properly classified as an interstate information service and is therefore subject to FCC jurisdiction. The FCC determined that cable modem service is not a "cable service" as defined by the Communications Act. The FCC also said that cable modem service does not contain a separate "telecommunications service" offering and therefore is not subject to common carrier regulation.

To view the Comments and Reply Comments filed in response to the NPRM released on March 14, 2002, and other related documents, go to the ECFS Search Page.  Enter "02-52" in the "Proceeding" box, and press the "Retrieve Document List" button. (For a complete hard-copy set of these comments, contact Qualex International at 202-863-2893.)

To view the Comments and Reply Comments filed in response to the NOI released on September 28, 2000, and other related documents, go to the ECFS Search Page.  Enter "00-185" in the "Proceeding" box, and press the "Retrieve Document List" button. (For a complete hard-copy set of these comments, contact Qualex International at 202-863-2893.)

Additional information on FCC monitoring of and action concerning broadband can be found on the FCC's Broadband Page.

The following are documents relevant to this proceeding:

3/14/02
FCC Classifies Cable Modem Service as "Information Service": Initiates Proceeding to Promote Broadband Deployment and Examine Regulatory Implications of Classification.
Statements: Powell | Abernathy | Copps
FCC 02-77 Order: Text | Word | Acrobat

• 10/12/00
  Commission Extends Comment Dates for High-Speed Internet Access Over Cable Notice of Inquiry and Seeks Comment on USTA Petition for Declaratory Ruling Regarding Universal Service Obligations of Cable Operators.
• 9/28/00
  FCC Launches Inquiry Regarding High-Speed Internet Service. Includes News Release, Statements, and NOI (FCC 00-355).
• 10/11/00
  Federal Register Notice.
• 9/26/00
  USTA Petition for Declaratory Judgement Regarding Universal Service Obligations of Cable Operators (filed Sept 26, 2000) (incorporated in GN Docket No. 00-185).
• 7/7/00
  US Internet Industry Association Petition for a Declaratory Ruling And Institution of Rulemaking With Respect To Tariffs For Cable Internet Interconnectivity (filed July 7, 2000) (incorporated in GN Docket No. 00-185). [Text | Word97 | Acrobat]
• 6/30/00
  FCC Chairman to Launch Proceeding on “Cable Access”.
• Additional Related Documents

Staff Contact: Steve Garner, 202-418-1063