Net Neutrality Debate Split Down Party Lines
In an attempt to stall any forward progress in the net neutrality debate, Republicans now want the FCC to identify specific practices they believe warrant “regulatory intervention”, saying the possibility of discrimination is not a sufficient point of debate.
These practices have already been identified by numerous sources but the Republicans want a list. Two examples of cases where network operators censored speakers are found with AT&T and Verizon. In 2007 AT&T muted the sound during a webcast of a Pearl Jam concert at the exact moment when lead singer Eddie Vedder started criticizing George W. Bush. Verizon has blocked pro-choice text messages from NARAL to it’s members who had previously subscribed for the notices.
Once activist objected to the Verizon practice of blocking information, Verizon released a statement saying they would block messages from all “issue-oriented groups” but later apologized for the mistake saying the initial decision was based on “dusty internal policy”. Verizon has kept this policy in place and have said they reserve the right to “censor any content that, in it’s discretion, may be seen as controversial or unsavory”.
Regrettably these two examples are not the exception but the norm. They reveal how deeply the economic decisions of network operators can restrict the flow of the Internet and infringe on the right of free speech.
Comcast, America’s second largest Internet service provider, blocked BitTorrent, a peer to peer file sharing application. This application could be used to distribute , but is not limited to, HD video that would compete with Comcast video services. The obstruction was discovered by an amateur singer who wanted to share public domain performances. Comcast initially denied blocking BitTorrent but later admitted it wasn’t blocking the file sharing but merely delaying it to conserve bandwidth as part of their “reasonable network management”.
This statement is familiar because it is the argument that Comcast and other top Internet service providers like Verizon and AT&T have used in their fight against net neutrality when they complain about the regulations that the FCC wishes to put in place for the protection of a fair and open Internet.
Republicans are also asking the FCC to wait until mapping of broadband availability and stimulus plan results are completed. This kind of delay could postpone net neutrality regulation for months or even years.
Gigi Sohn, President and co-founder of Public Knowledge, said, “the latest House Republican letter asking for the FCC to slow action on preserving an open, non-discriminatory Internet is simply another delaying tactic by those who favor big telecom and cable companies over competition and innovation”.
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- Net Neutrality Causing a Debate Over Wireless
- The Nations Top ISP’s Against Net Neutrality…
- Broadband Providers Resist Net Neutrality
