Jon Healy of the Los Angeles Times has posted an audio interview with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, covering everything from Google Voice to wireless broadband. But perhaps the most interesting revelation is that Genachwoski has not yet determined if the FCC has the authority to regulate the iPhone’s App Store. He definitely didn’t say no (MP3 link.)
The entire interview (MP3 link) clocks in at 55 minutes, and the Times was nice enough to split it up by topic. But if you don’t have that kind of time, here’s the highlights:
- He calls the DTV transition, “largely a success,” despite a few lingering issues.
- Says that the FCC will do a review of media ownership and consolidation next year.
- Says he’s trying to institute a “culture of excellence” at the FCC.
- Confirms that net neutrality will apply to both wired and wireless networks, but there will be differences due to technical reasons.
- Restates that “we need more spectrum,” for wireless broadband.
- On applying decency rules to mediums other than broadcast television and radio: “The FCC shouldn’t enter the content world lightly, and the FCC should understand that it’s a government agency very much bound by the First Amendment.”
- Calls for greater transparency in cellular billing.
- Called AT&T’s change of heart on VoIP over 3G, a “very welcome development.”