Re: Verizon, Google, and Net Neutrality...Now Cisco and Microsoft are holding talks...

[woo me with science]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/27/AR2010082702131.html

OK Go on net neutrality: A lesson from the music industry

By Damian Kulash
Sunday, August 29, 2010

On the Internet, when I send my ones and zeros somewhere, they shouldn't have to wait in line behind the ones and zeros of wealthier people or corporations. That's the way the Net was designed, and it's central to a concept called "net neutrality," which ensures that Internet service providers can't pick favorites.

Recently, though, big telecommunications companies have argued that their investment in the Net's infrastructure should allow them more control over how it's used. The concerned nerds of the world are up in arms, and there's been a long, loud public debate, during which the Federal Communications Commission appeared to develop a plan to preserve net neutrality.

The FCC's latest action on the question came partly in response to a federal appeals court ruling in April that appeared to limit the agency's authority over Internet service providers. In May, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski issued a plan to classify the Internet under Title II of the 1934 Communications Act. In English, that means the agency would be legally recognizing a fact so obvious that I feel silly even typing it: We use the Internet to communicate. With that radical notion established, the FCC would have jurisdiction to protect the public interest on the Net, including enforcing neutrality. Since announcing its intent, though, the FCC hasn't followed through, and the corporations involved are trying to take the reins before the public servants do.

...

The Google and Verizon statement, which was roundly criticized when it was released, is unlikely to be the only proposal we'll see from the big boys. A week and a half ago, AT&T, Verizon, Microsoft, Cisco Systems and a trade group called the National Cable & Telecommunications Association met for closed-door negotiations on managing online traffic that didn't include the FCC or the public.

The good news is that the Obama administration has repeatedly promised that it supports net neutrality. Right now the FCC can lastingly protect freedom and equality on the Net. To establish that authority, the agency needs the support of three of its five commissioners. Two commissioners, Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn, Democratic appointees, have loudly backed the effort. What we need is for the chairman to join them and follow through on the plans he laid out months ago. Mr. Genachowski, we, the citizens of the Internet, are with you.


NOTE: I left out what is perhaps the most compelling part of this article, Kulash's comparison of what happened to the music business to what will happen to the internet if Net Neutrality is defeated. I was most focused on the fact that talks by the corporations continue and that that this is essentially a race. The whole article is worth reading, though.

[msongs]

1. Internet should be a public utlity taken away from enemy US corporations nt

[RC]

2. I agree. But, who would regulate them?

You gotta know the repugs would work to 'Fix" that when they finally take over the government. They are almost done with the takeover now.

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. The article is very clear and concise. That is good.

As to Pres. Obama's repeated promises, I will have to wait and see.
I am still waiting for some other promises to be delivered.