Berkman Center to Host FCC Hearing and Public Conversation on the Future of Broadband

CAMBRIDGE, MA -- On February 25, the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School will host a Federal Communications Commission en banc hearing on broadband network management practices, and a public post-panel discussion and reception.

The FCC will hear from two panels of stakeholders who will offer policy and technical perspectives.  Panelists will include executives from BitTorrent, Comcast, Verizon, and Sony, as well as network visionaries and architects. Berkman Center Faculty Co-Director Yochai Benkler will speak on the policy panel.

The full schedule and list of panelists can be downloaded at: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-280373A1.pdf.

While the panels are taking place, members of the public will have the opportunity to record video testimony that will be submitted into the public record. Berkman’s post-panel events will provide anyone with an interest in net neutrality an additional chance to reflect on the day’s events and contribute to the conversation.

“At Berkman our research and outreach modes have long depended on being able to convene and engage parties that span the spectrum of viewpoints,” said John Palfrey, Executive Director of the Berkman Center.  “We welcome this opportunity to provide a platform for meaningful discussion of open access and network neutrality.”

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the post-panel events.  The discussion will take place at Harvard Law School’s Austin Hall immediately following the FCC hearing. The reception, following the discussion, will be in the Law School’s Pound Hall.

Those unable to attend can listen to a live audio webcast of the hearing by visiting:
http://www.fcc.gov/realaudio.

For more information, contact Catherine Bracy atcbracy@cyber.harvard.eduor 617-384-9105.

###

About the Berkman Center:
The Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School is proud to celebrate its 10th anniversary as a research program founded to explore cyberspace, share in its study, and help pioneer its development.  Founded in 1997, through a generous gift from Jack N. and Lillian R. Berkman, the center is now home to an ever-growing community of faculty, fellows, staff and affiliates working on projects that span the broad range of intersections between cyberspace, technology and society.  More information can be found at http://cyber.harvard.edu.