Tech Daily Dose

Despite intense speculation that the FCC is preparing a net neutrality order for its December meeting, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski Tuesday declined to answer any questions on the subject at the agency's monthly meeting.

As members of the public filed into the commission's meeting room, Genachowski spokeswoman Jen Howard warned reporters that he wouldn't be answering questions related to net neutrality or the recent complaints filed against Comcast. Genachowski stayed true to Howard's word.

Without providing any details, Genachowski defended the process his office has conducted about the rumored net neutrality order saying he is "proud" of the way his agency has handled the issue. That statement came after one reporter noted criticism from some observers that the commission has "too cozy" a relationship with big industry evidenced by a spate of meetings between AT&T and the chairman recently.

He also declined to comment on whether the FCC will be able to carry out the national broadband plan under a Title I net neutrality order. A consensus has emerged among industry analysts and observers that the commission has backed off of an earlier plan to reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act. Such a change would lend the FCC greater regulatory authority.

Genachowski may circulate a draft of the order Wednesday, according to one source familiar with the situation.