Posts tagged open internet

Internet service providers like Comcast and AT&T want to speed up voice and video applications while downgrading others. And while that might not seem as dramatic as outright blocking or slowing down their competitors’ applications, prioritization can still cause problems for Internet users.

In the fight for Net Neutrality, we can’t get lost in the nuance. Internet Service Providers would have us believe that certain types of network prioritization are innocuous. In truth, there’s a litany of hidden harms in any attempt to shape Internet traffic.

Late last week, the Federal Communications Commission announced it was seeking public input on draft rules that would codify and supplement existing Internet openness principles. This was another chapter in the ongoing "Net neutrality" debate.

Last week a horde of phone and cable lobbyists flooded the Federal Communications Commission with calls and letters before the agency unveiled its proposed Net Neutrality rules.

FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn expressed her enthusiastic support for Net Neutrality last week, during the agency’s announcement of proposed new rules for all wired and wireless networks.

Here’s a highlight of Clyburn’s opening speech at the FCC meeting:

The Federal Communications Commission just approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Net Neutrality this morning, following through on its promise to preserve an open Internet.

As the opponents of Net Neutrality continue their desperate attempts to thwart the FCC from beginning a rulemaking on the issue, we decided it might be helpful for readers to see for themselves the kinds of pretzel-like arguments they’ve twisted themselves into. Here are five fundamental questions Net Neutrality opponents have failed to answer:

Media Alliance, which has been advocating for a democratic and accessible media system since 1976, urges you to support and implement Chairman Genachowski’s call for a neutral Internet future. The Internet has been a key driver in innovation, free speech and civic participation in the United States and we must maintain an even playing field for all.

As you know, I got to the Senate a bit late.

But I didn’t get here too late. Because we’re debating issues of major consequence right now – health care, the economy, the course of the war in Afghanistan. And one of the issues you don’t hear about as much – but one that will impact our lives, our economy and, yes, the future of music – is Net Neutrality.