The FCC's recent request for public comment on network neutrality of course was the perfect opportunity for carriers to use these groups, once again, to help their cause. In many instances the authors don't even try very hard. The Arkansas Retired Seniors Coalition didn't even bother to completely fill out the form letter provided by AT&T lobbyists when filing comments with the agency. They did wisely omit the fact that the group is operated by a thirty year Southwestern Bell employee.
A reader also writes in amused that even disc golf course designers got in on the action. This filing (pdf), submitted by a "professional disc golf designer" by the name of HB Clark, laments the FCC's interest in neutrality protections because they might hurt his small business. How? Other than some vague references to the ancient carrier talking point that all consumer protections magically crush network investment (something that just simply isn't true), Mr. Clark doesn't appear entirely sure:
The FCC must make clear that it supports broadband carriers who are improving and expanding their networks, without placing unnecessary constraints on these providers that have allowed small businesses like mine to grow. We are the backbone of the economy and the jobs of tomorrow depend on a thoughtful, long-temn approach that allows for continued innovation and competition.
It is most certainly coincidence that AT&T is sponsoring Mr. Clark's 2010 Disc Golf Tour. Perhaps the FCC's network neutrality guidelines will be awful, and perhaps they won't (as it stands, it seems likely the only thing they'll really do is require carriers be transparent about network management). But you start to wonder: if AT&T's position on network neutrality is so solid, why the need for lobbyist-crafted dishonesty?Read more: disc golf - Bing News
