02:00 AM Feb. 25, 2004 PT
WASHINGTON -- Just as people are discovering voice over Internet protocol technology as a cheap alternative to phone-company service, a senator wants to give states the right to pry open consumers' wallets to pay for it.
Federal Communications Commission chairman Michael Powell argued just the opposite: Too much regulation stifles innovation.
"Restraining from regulating the economics of Internet applications has served us well," he said. "The creativity of the marketplace has been breathtaking and dynamic, bursting at the seams with entrepreneurial spirit. There is little compelling evidence that heavy economic regulation is warranted."
The hearing drew a standing-room-only crowd that included lobbyists, lawyers, regulators and technology analysts. Many were so intent on getting a seat that they hired homeless people for up to $75 to hold their place in line overnight. The inaugural VOIP hearing was an educational forum, an opportunity for heavy-hitter panelists to present their takes on regulation and innovation.
http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,62420,00.html?tw=wn_techhead_2
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