February 13th, 2008
As Comcast defends, Markey offers net neutrality bill
Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s subcommittee on telecommunications and the Internet, introduced a bill Wednesday that would prevent Internet service providers such as Comcast from interfering with consumers’ use of the network. The bill was cosponsored by Rep. Chip Pickering (R-Miss.).
The bill’s goal, Markey said, is to assure that the “historic, open-architecture nature of the Internet will be preserved and fostered.” Consumers and content providers “should be free to send, receive, access and use the lawful applications, content and services of their choice on broadband networks, possess the effective right to attach and use non-harmful devices to use in conjunction with their broadband services, and that content providers not be subjected to unreasonably discriminatory practices by broadband network providers,” Markey said.
He also emphasized that the bill does not “regulate” the Internet. The bill “seeks to enshrine such principles in the law as guide stars for U.S. broadband policy.” Under the bill, the Federal Communications Commission would be required to assess broadband practices and consumer rights, and to hold eight broadband summits around the U.S. and report back to Congress on its findings and recommendations.
