Net Neutrality

“Network neutrality (also net neutrality, Internet neutrality) is a principle proposed for user access networks participating in the Internet that advocates no restrictions by Internet service providers and governments on content, sites, platforms, the kinds of equipment that may be attached, and the modes of communication.[1][2][3]

The principle states that if a given user pays for a certain level of Internet access, and another user pays for the same level of access, then the two users should be able to connect to each other at the subscribed level of access.

Though the term did not enter popular use until several years later, since the early 2000s advocates of net neutrality and associated rules have raised concerns about the ability of broadband providers to use their last mile infrastructure to block Internet applications and content (e.g., websites, services, protocols), even blocking out competitors. In the US particularly, but elsewhere as well, the possibility of regulations designed to mandate the neutrality of the Internet has been subject to fierce debate.

Neutrality proponents claim that telecom companies seek to impose a tiered service model in order to control the pipeline and thereby remove competition, create artificial scarcity, and oblige subscribers to buy their otherwise uncompetitive services. Many believe net neutrality to be primarily important as a preservation of current freedoms.[4]Vinton Cerf, considered a "father of the Internet" and co-inventor of the Internet Protocol, Tim Berners-Lee, creator of the Web, and many others have spoken out in favor of network neutrality.”

“ALERT: FCC expected to pass net neutrality rule

By Cecilia Kang

The Federal Communications Commission is poised on Tuesday to pass so-called net neutrality regulations, first-time rules that prevent Internet service providers from blocking or giving preferential treatment to Web sites on their networks.

The FCC's proposal will receive support by a majority of the five-member commission and come amid intense lobbying. Telecom and cable companies are watching the order, saying it could deter them from expanding broadband Internet connections and bolstering speeds. Internet giants such as Google and Skype have for years pushed for such regulation, along with public interest groups, saying the increased importance of the Internet call for clear rules that ensure consumers get equal access to all legal Web sites and applications.

The rules would prevent Internet service providers from blocking Web sites and applications on Internet lines feeding into American homes. Those carriers -- such as Comcast and AT&T could not deliberately slow down one Web site over another. The rules frown on the practice of charging Web sites for better or faster delivery, but observers say that practice is not strictly prohibited in the order.

Wireless networks aren't covered as broadly by the rules. A FCC officials said wireless carriers such as Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel would be prohibited from blocking competing voice and video telephony (video conferencing) applications. Any other practices would have to be disclosed by the carriers.

Democratic commissioners Michael J. Copps and Mignon Clyburn said they would support the proposal by chairman Julius Genachowski.

Michael Copps, a Democratic member of the FCC, said in a statement that he cannot vote "wholeheartedly" for Genachowski's proposal and that the rule doesn't have everything he believes should be included in a regulation.

"But I believe we have been able to make the current iteration better than what was originally circulated. If vigilantly and vigorously implemented by the Commission -- and if upheld by the courts -- it could represent an important milestone in the ongoing struggle to safeguard the awesome opportunity-creating power of the open Internet," Copps said in a statement. "While I cannot vote wholeheartedly to approve the item, I will not block it by voting against it. I instead plan to concur so that we may move forward."

In a separate statement, Clyburn said she would also vote in favor of the rules. She had expressed concerns that wireless consumers weren't protected as strongly with Genachowski's regulation.

"The Commission has worked tirelessly to offer a set of guidelines that, while
not as strong as they could be, will nonetheless protect consumers as they explore, learn, and
innovate online," she said in a statement.

By Cecilia Kang  | December 20, 2010; 4:07 PM ET”