US net neutrality battle heats back up

FCC's championing of net neutrality faces opposition from lawmakers

The battle over net neutrality in the US intensified on Monday as both lawmakers and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took sides on the matter.

As was first reported last week, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski said in a speech on Monday that the FCC would seek to introduce new regulations aimed at internet service providers (ISPs) to protect net neutrality.

The proposed rules would prohibit telcos from intentionally speeding up or slowing traffic based on which service or application was being used. Some telcos have already been found to be deliberately limiting traffic speeds for peer-to-peer and file-sharing services.

"It is vital that we safeguard the free and open internet," said Genachowski.

"The internet is an extraordinary platform for innovation, job creation, investment, and opportunity. It has unleashed the potential of entrepreneurs and enabled the launch and growth of small businesses across America."

Not long after Genachowski's speech, however, opposition to the FCC's plans began to mount. Shortly after the speech, members of the US Senate who were opposed to the plan submitted a new bill to limit the FCC's ability to create and enforce rules on net neutrality.

"We must avoid burdensome government regulations that micro-manage private businesses or that limit the ability of companies to provide what their customers want," said Nevada senator John Ensign, one of the bill's supporters.

"The internet has flourished in large part because of a lack of government interference; I see no need to change that now."

Others, however, applauded the FCC's efforts. Consumer Reports publisher and advocacy group Consumer's Union welcomed Genachowski's announcement.

"No consumer should be punished with a slower download speed or with a more expensive internet experience because the provider they use picks and chooses the companies that are allowed to reach their subscribers," said Consumer's Union policy analyst Joel Kelsey.

"The time has come to establish clear rules of the road for the internet so that consumer choice and innovation are assured and an open online environment can flourish."