Net Neutrality?

[SemiCharmedQuark]

Does anyone have a link to whats going on with that? It was big news a few weeks ago and then just kind of...faded away....

[RoyGBiv]

1. It's still there ...

ISPs sound ready to sue over FCC's "third way"
By Nate Anderson | Last updated May 7, 2010 5:39 PM

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski doesn't see why net neutrality needs to be contentious. His new "third way" approach to the issue, announced yesterday, was meant to be a big tent that could bring in both ISPs and Internet companies like Google, think tanks, and consumer groups. It would be "light touch," merely returning us to the "consensus" that has existed for years about regulating Internet access.

"I call on all stakeholders to work with us productively," he said again today in a YouTube video released by the Commission.

Don't break out the unicorns, rainbows, and ice cream cones just yet, though. "This proposal is disappointing and deeply concerns us," said the two Republicans on the Commission yesterday. "It is neither a light-touch approach nor a third way."

That "big tent" is already swaying dangerously in the breeze. While groups like Free Press and New America predictably supported the plan, the real test was always going to be with the ISPs. And they don't like it. At all.

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/05/isps-sound-ready-to-sue-over-fccs-third-way.ars?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss

[Cha]

2. Got this today.. "Death Panels for the Internet"..

Help Free Press
Spread the Truth:
Donate Today

Dear Cha,

It’s happening. The industry noise machine has kicked into high gear to stop the FCC from protecting Net Neutrality.

On Monday, the AT&T-funded front group Americans for Prosperity (AFP) announced a $1.4 million advertising blitz to convince the public that the FCC is plotting to "take over the Internet."

This is complete fiction. We urgently need your financial support to expose the phone and cable lobby's scare tactics and get out the truth. We’re not asking for $1.4 million, but your donation of $14 would make a huge difference.

Please Donate $14 to Push Back Against Industry Lies
https://secure.freepress.net/site/Donation2?idb=0&df_id=2900&2900.donation=form1&autologin=true&JServSessionIdr004=w38utwmnq2.app244b

We have to act fast. AFP’s lies are now spreading to Capitol Hill, and House minority leaders John Boehner and Eric Cantor are spouting the same bogus talking points. And so are FOX News anchors and Glenn Beck.

Of course, this is business as usual for AFP, which was created to spread fear and confusion on important policy issues, and to smear public interest groups like Free Press on behalf of its corporate donors. This is the same group of extremists that spread lies about President Obama’s “death panels,” and tried to kill climate legislation. The Internet is next on their list.

These false claims of a “government takeover” are downright scary. By spending millions to spread these lies, AT&T and other companies hope that if they repeat “government takeover” often and loudly enough, people will eventually believe it. After all, from the “death tax” to “death panels,” it’s a tactic that’s worked before.

Donate $14 to Help Save the Internet

Thanks to your calls and letters last week, we stopped the FCC from abandoning its promise to protect the open Internet and close the digital divide. That fight was intense, but it was nothing compared to what’s ahead.

We have to drown out these industry lies with the voices of millions of Net Neutrality supporters, and to keep the pressure on the FCC to do the right thing.

AT&T and others are spending $1.4 million because they’re worried the public might actually succeed in the fight for free speech online and universal access to the Internet. Let's show them they have reason to be worried.

Please donate today.

We don’t take a dime from any companies, industry groups or political parties. That’s why we need your support now more than ever.

Thank you,

Timothy Karr
Campaign Director
Free Press Action Fund
SavetheInternet.com

P.S.: Death panels, Wall Street bailouts, oil spills. Failed government oversight of industry shenanigans is hurting all of us. Don’t let the Internet be next. Please donate today.

Want to learn more? Join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.