Federal Communications Commission FCC 07-31 
STATEMENT OF
CHAIRMAN KEVIN J. MARTIN
Re:  Broadband Industry Practices, Notice of Inquiry, WC Docket No. 07-52
In 2005, the Commission adopted an Internet Policy Statement containing four principles.  The 
intent of these principles was to protect consumers’ access to the lawful online content of their choice and 
to foster the creation, adoption and use of Internet broadband content, applications, and services.  
Although we are not aware of any current blocking situations, the Commission remains vigilant in 
protecting consumers’ access to content on the Internet.  At the same time, I believe that it is useful for 
the Commission, as the expert communications agency, to collect a record about the current practices in 
the broadband marketplace.  
This inquiry will provide a convenient forum for various providers, including network and 
content providers, to tell us what is happening in the market and about their concerns.  For example, we 
seek comment on how broadband providers are managing their Internet traffic, whether certain traffic is 
prioritized, and whether our policies should distinguish between content providers that charge end users 
for access to content and those that do not.  Gathering this information will allow us to better monitor this 
market and determine the extent to which providers are acting consistently with our Internet Policy 
Statement.  The Commission is ready, willing, and able to step in if necessary.  We have the dual 
responsibilities of creating an environment that promotes infrastructure investment and broadband 
deployment and to ensure that consumers' access to content on the Internet is protected.  We can best 
fulfill these responsibilities by being fully informed.