Net neutrality is the principle that says all information flowing across the Internet should be treated equally. But with more people streaming data-rich video and playing online games, the Internet faces congestion concerns. Should carriers be able to sell multi-tiered access to heavy users? Should sites that generate massive traffic -- like Google and Yahoo! -- pay extra fees? The U.S. Government is examining Net Neutrality and its financial, legal and social implications. Do we need federal intervention to ensure fairness, or is this an issue for the market to work out?
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Existing Laws Already Guarantee Your Open Internet
Outdated Laws...
The Communications Act of 1939 has been superseded by both the Telecommunications Act of 1996, The Telecommunications act of 2005 and/or the COPE Act of 2006. Referencing a 70+ year old legislation as protection when it has been amended numerous times.
Initially DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) were under the auspices of 'Common Carrier' legislation which *IS* the original definition of 'Network Neutrality'. However, since the FCC reclassified DSL service from a telecommunication service to an 'Information Service' the protections offered by 'Common Carrier' statues are no longer enforced. Cable internet services have never been classified as 'Common Carrier' and have never enjoyed such protection under the law .
It should be noted that the 'Hands off the Internet' organization is a front group performing astroturfing (that is making a fake grass roots campaign) for major telecom interests who stand to gain the most from network neutrality . Just look where their funding comes from ( http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Hands_Off_the_Internet ) and AT&T is a major contributor to them.
- Concerned Citizen
May 17, 2009 8:45PM
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