Democrats urge FCC to ignore Google/Verizon deal
updated 07:55 pm EDT, Mon August 16, 2010
FCC asked to push its own regulations
Several Democratic members of the US House of Representatives are urging the FCC to ignore the net neutrality proposal drafted by Google and Verizon. The legislators have asked the Commission to create its own regulations to preserve the open Internet, rather than relying on corporations to dictate the terms.
"No private interest should be permitted to carve up the Internet to suit its own purposes," said Ed Markey of Massachusetts. The representative suggests the FCC should continue with its plans to reclassify wireless broadband for net neutrality enforcement.
"Rather than expansion upon a proposal by two large communications companies with a vested financial interest in the outcome, formal FCC action is needed," wrote the group, which also includes Anna Eshoo of California, Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania, and Jay Inslee of Washington.
The joint proposal from Google and Verizon was quickly met with criticism from various groups. The language is said to be riddled with loopholes that could potentially be used to ignore net neutrality principles. The FCC admits that it is time to move forward with plans, but with consumer interests taking a higher priority than demands from corporations. [via Reuters]




Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2008
Hmmm...
Politics-aside, I am strongly against this deal.... I'm glad to see there is some political steam against it.