House Dems: FCC Must Reject Google-Verizon Deal To Ensure Net Neutrality

[Amerigo Vespucci]

House Dems: FCC Must Reject Google-Verizon Deal To Ensure Net Neutrality

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/17/house-dems-fcc-must-rejec_n_684778.html

First Posted: 08-17-10 12:36 PM | Updated: 08-17-10 01:01 PM

Four Democratic members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee penned a letter to Federal Communications Committee Chairman Julius Genachowski Tuesday asking the FCC "to ensure the maintenance of an open Internet" by rejecting a recent deal by internet giants Google and Verizon that could lead to tiered pricing for internet service.

"The recent proposal by Google and Verizon of an industry-centered net neutrality policy framework reinforces the need for resolution of the current open proceedings at the commission to ensure the maintenance of an open Internet," wrote Reps. Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Anna Eshoo of California, Jay Inslee of Washington and Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania.

Last week, internet giants Google and Verizon announced a deal that could set the stage for internet service that's "separate but equal." Google and Verizon's agreement would also allow wireless carriers to throttle users' internet traffic as long as they are transparent about it.

The representatives argued that any sort of paid prioritization of internet traffic is contrary to the "fundamental non-discrimination principles that have made the Internet the most successful communications and commercial medium in history."

"The public interest," the Democrats argued, "is served by a free and open Internet that continues to be an indispensable platform for innovation, investment, entrepreneurship, and free speech."

They called for a plan that would ensure an "efficient marketplace" where "businesses and consumers -- not carriers -- decide the winners and losers in the Internet ecosystem."

The representatives also showed support for a recently abandoned FCC proposal that sought to regulate broadband service. A Supreme Court ruling earlier this year derailed the effort.

"Reclassification and clear FCC oversight as contemplated by your 'Third Way' proposal is critically important for bringing the benefits of broadband to all Americans," the legislators wrote.

[Vincardog]

1. use this link to contact your government and let them know how you feel about it

<http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml> .

[rocktivity]

2. It's a relief to finally hear some Dem leaders say it

Talk about voting against your own interests--how far would Obama have gotten without an unfettered Internet!

:headbang:
rocktivity