City Council Needs Blue Ribbon Help for Internet Access Issue

The hottest and weightiest public policy issue in the city of Los Angeles today is “open access.” A year ago, this term had no meaning to most policymakers. During the past year, the issue of government regulation and access to the Internet has worked its way across the nation. But that discussion is driven by corporate interests and not necessarily the public’s. The hired guns have descended on City Hall as seldom seen before.

Even so, after the release of the city’s report on broadband, or high-speed Internet service, and after several long hours of expert testimony, the city’s governing body still does not have sufficient information to make a confident decision.

The City Council, by definition, is a legislative body with a responsibility to be deliberative. To successfully meet the challenges of this responsibility, I have called on my colleagues to approve the creation of a blue ribbon committee on universal access and open access. Such committees have proved to be very beneficial in the analysis of complex issues with far-reaching implications and consequences.

The hot-button issue of open access refers to America Online’s and some phone companies’ (notably Pacific Bell and GTE) position that cable companies should be required by government intervention to open cable’s high-speed networks to other Internet providers. AT&T; and cable companies (notably, Media One) maintain there is no need for government intervention and regulation because their entry into the Internet access market has driven down consumer prices as all providers (regular dial-up, satellite, etc.) compete for customers.

In formulating city policy, a central part of the blue ribbon committee’s debate on open access must include discussion of universal access. Universal access--ubiquitous, nondiscriminatory and affordable access--means the prevention of redlining and other discriminatory practices. Our goal must be to diminish the “digital divide” of haves and have-nots in Los Angeles.

Nearly 100 million Americans are expected to be online by the end of 2000, and Los Angeles is home to a large share of subscribers. Without a doubt, the Internet has become the most prolific communications means since the telephone. With its growth, however, comes a responsibility to make large policy decisions on how to develop, manage and distribute such a vast technology.

The purpose of the blue ribbon committee would be first to analyze and then to reconcile, if possible, the city’s existing universal access policy and the prospective open access policy. The committee then would be required to define and standardize the terminology of this issue. Finally, the committee would develop a work plan to implement a policy that keeps all broadband services (including cable, DSL, wireless, etc.) at competitive rates for consumers.

As responsible policymakers, we must find the balance between ensuring the public’s access and protecting the growth of the Internet. Some of the key issues to consider are choice, competition, technical feasibility, regulatory implications, legal ramifications, the impact on city revenues and the continued prominence of Los Angeles as a premier digital center.

The focus of the City Council has always been to sort through the information that has been provided and to put forth a policy that protects and promotes the public interest. However, as the opposing sides in the open access controversy work to get their own points across, the essence of what’s best for our city and for all consumers can easily be obfuscated.

Ultimately, the City Council will make the final decision on open access. A credible blue ribbon committee, composed of representatives from academia, consumer groups and industry experts, would help ensure that what’s best for the public is not drowned out by the roar of debate between industry giants and their high-priced lobbyists.