In a move that will have direct consequences for Canada as well, US regulators are set for a showdown over rules to ensure an open Internet. The rules are intended to prohibit phone and cable companies blocking or discriminating against Internet traffic over their broadband networks. (Net neutrality was one of the Obama administrations top campaign pledges to the technology industry.)
Yesterday, the head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Julius Genachowski sent draft rules to its members.
In a speech in Washington, Mr Genachowski said his rules were "consistent with President Obama's commitment to "keep the Internet as it should be - open and free". "It is the Internets openness and freedom - the ability to speak, innovate and engage in commerce without having to ask any one's permission - that has enabled the Internets unparalleled success."
Two Republican commissioners have already said they oppose the chairman's "reckless" proposal which they will be asked to vote on when the Commission meets on December 21st . (This is consistent with the Republicans policy of opposing anything the Democrats propose, whether it is in the national interest or not!)
Commissioners Robert McDowell and Meredith Attwell Baker issued comments criticising the chairman's move. "This is a mistake," said Commissioner Baker.
The two other Democratic members, Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn have not commented so far but have in the past said they support net neutrality.
The Chairman needs three out of four votes to pass his plan on December 21st. and given the Republicans penchant for sabotaging any proposed legislation by the Democrats, all bets are off!
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