"A successful appeal of this case would ultimately mean lower prices and better service for American consumers," said FCC Chairman Michael Powell. But Mark Cooper of the Consumer Federation of America said the FCC's move marked "another dark day for competition and consumers in one of the most vital sectors of our economy." . . .
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has asked the Supreme Court to hear an appeal that could determine whether cable broadband providers can be forced to open their networks to other Internet providers.

The request, which FCC Chairman Michael Powell announced Monday, was hailed by some industry groups and slammed by some consumer watchdog organizations, who had hoped that an earlier appeals court decision would clear the way for more robust competition and increased choice for consumers.
If the ruling is overturned and the FCC is allowed to lift regulations on broadband providers, third-party ISPs such as America Online and EarthLink (Nasdaq: ELNK) could find themselves shut out of many cable markets where they don't already have access agreements in place.

Powell, however, said he believes that consumers stand to win if the appeal succeeds since it will free broadband companies from unnecessary and cumbersome regulations dating from the early days of the telephone.