David All of TechRepublican has made a compelling case for why Net Neutrality is in line with core conservative values. In a commentary at TownHall.com, he writes that while conservatives generally believe in a hands-off regulatory approach, this general rule should not apply to an Internet where “last mile” access is controlled by powerful media and telecommunications companies.

All points out that Congress’ deregulatory approach to the telecom industry has had disastrous consequences, leaving us with only a handful of companies providing Internet services. He writes:

“This monopoly/duopoly status by the big phone and cable companies has given them immense power to exercise control over the free flow of speech and commerce over their networks. Despite promises to the contrary, companies like Comcast have used their control of the broadband network to prevent certain types of applications from being usable by consumers. Other network providers have even interfered with the transmission of certain types of political speech over their networks.”

All further notes that many Internet Service Providers intend to monitor users’ e-mail for “networking management” purposes and to block or stall messages they decide will slow Internet traffic. All said that just as Americans don’t want the postal service opening and inspecting mail, ISPs should not be allowed to read and block online information. He writes:

“We should be concerned about the power of the broadband network operators to control speech and economic activity over the Internet, and be willing to support some modest, limited countervailing check on their power when it is abused.”

Last month, the FCC voted to punish Comcast for illegally discriminating against and blocking online content. While All acknowledged that it may “seem strange for a conservative to support regulatory action like this,” he said the FCC’s decision was an important step in preserving an open and free Internet. He writes:

“Now more than ever, conservatives need content neutral access to the Internet because it presents us with a way of communicating and building power without having to rely on the mainstream media and being subject to the liberal bias of the networks and national newspapers.”

Despite what some Net Neutrality opponents want us to think, everyone benefits from a neutral and non-discriminatory Internet.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 at 9:25 am and is filed under Uncategorized.-->