As the communications world migrates to IP-based services, the FCC feels that it is losing regulatory control over the endpoints of the network (where most of the interesting stuff is happening). Consequently, the FCC is trying to figure out ways that it can regulate the endpoints, either through breaking the end-to-end principle and/or direct regulation of the application layer. This should be a scary thought to anyone who thinks dumb networks are a really good idea. As part of this massive regulatory shift, the FCC will be holding a roundtable discussion on July 30, 2004 (FCC Announces Agenda and Featured Panelists for July 30, 2004 Global Roundtable Discussion on Internet-Protocol Based Services [PDF]):

On Friday, July 30, 2004, the FCC’s Internet Policy Working Group (IPWG) will hold a roundtable discussion to address international issues associated with the migration of communications services and applications to IP-based technologies. The event is open to the public, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.