Net Neutrality Bill Introduced
Representatives Edward Markey (D – Massachusetts) and Anna Eshoo (D – California) have introduced the Internet Freedom Preservation Act, an amendment to the 1934 Communications Act.
This bill has been met with mixed reactions. USTelecom, a trade group representing broadband providers, called the legislation “disappointing”. Walter McCormick Jr., President and CEO of USTelecom said in a statement, ” While we are still reviewing the language, it is readily apparent that this legislation would not preserve Internet freedom, but would instead lead to a government managed Internet” . McCormick added, ” It will create broad uncertainty and destabilize the investment that is currently creating jobs, spurring innovation and lowering prices for consumers”.
Creating jobs, spurring innovation and lowering prices for consumers. The reason this sounds familiar is because it is written inside this bill. Page 2, paragraph 3 states “Internet technologies and services hold the promise of advancing economic growth, fostering investment, creating jobs and spurring technological innovation”. This bill was written to protect those very things.
While the top Internet service providers have remained silent on this bill, digital rights groups are applauding the legislation. Amina Fazlullah, a media reform advocate and staff attorney with U.S. PIRG said, “This crucial piece of legislation will ensure that citizens will be able to access the Internet free of discriminatory interference from telecommunication companies”. Fazlullah also added the U.S. must have access to a ” fair and open Internet ” in order to be a competitive player in this global information economy.
June 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that cable operators “do not” have to open their high speed lines to competitors. This act by the Supreme Court put the openness of the Internet at risk.
Representative Markey, in a statement said, “The Internet is a success today because it was open to everyone with an idea, this bill will protect consumers and content providers because it will restore the guarantee that one does not have to ask permission to innovate”.
Related posts:
- Net Neutrality Gaining Support, AT&T Resists
- McCain Blocking Net Neutrality
- Net Neutrality Debate Split Down Party Lines
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