Net-neutrality rules have been a top priority for Genachowski since he joined the FCC last summer. The agency has been trying to craft some sort of compromise on the issue in recent months, but those efforts recently reached an impasse. In a statement, Genachowski said the FCC “will continue to be vigilant in guarding against threats to internet freedom.”

Even before it moves ahead with any network neutrality proposal, the agency first must establish its authority to regulate broadband in the aftermath of a federal appeals court ruling in April that cast doubt on its existing regulatory framework.

Comments on the FCC’s inquiry are due 30 days after its public notice is published in the Federal Register, and reply comments are due 55 days after this date. Comments can be filed online at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs by referencing GN Docket No. 09-191 and WC Docket No. 07-52.

See also: “Opinion: Corporate policy making would result in a net loss.”