FCC creates Internet policy task force

The Federal Communications Commission has created a working group consisting of commission attorneys, engineers and economists that will study the issues surrounding Internet-based telecommunications services and guide the FCC in its policymaking. In doing so, it will reach out to various key constituencies including state commissions, consumer groups and public safety organizations. Working group members will be drawn from the FCC's various bureaus and offices, and their efforts will be directed by a steering committee consisting of senior management and staff, also from the various bureaus and offices. FCC Chairman Michael Powell said in a statement that the commission hopes to gain the insights needed to form "rationale policies" that will encourage growth of Internet-based services.