Law and RegulationsLaw and Regulationsin thein the

Information SuperhighwayInformation Superhighway

IEEE ComSocNov. 29, 2006

Jerry A. KleinPresident

The Chatham GroupLos Altos, CA

Regulatory History

Turmoil and Change

Regulatory Bodies

• FCC

• PUC

• ITU

• Standards Committees

• International Regulatory Bodies

Congress

• Laws to regulate the information superhighway

• Numerous conflicting interests

• Political winds

State and Federal

• Revenue Interests

• Taxes

• “Follow the Money”

Convergence of

Technologiesand

The Laws

Cyberspace Seen as Lawless

Internet

• Majority of Traffic is…– Gambling– Games– Pornography– E-mail

VoIP Emerges

Forces Changes in the Landscape

New Regulation

WillHappen

Will the Will the Law of Law of

Unintended Unintended ConsequencesConsequences

Prevail?Prevail?