FCC accused of creating "two Internets"

Senator Al Franken has publicly bashed the FCC over several recent decisions, including the NBC/Comcast merger and new regulations for net neutrality. In a speech at a Netroots Nation event, Franken declared that the latest net-neutrality rules are "not strong enough" without stricter terms for wireless networks and paid prioritization.

The senator further accuses the FCC of opening the door to "discrimination of the Internet," in a situation that is described as the "free speech issue" of modern times.

Franken echoed existing criticisms of Comcast's merger with NBC Universal, a deal that he claims will further tighten "corporate control" over content. Citing unnamed sources, he suggests Comcast is already preparing to pull the plug on NBC Universal's deal with Netflix.

"The cable industry is worred about the threat from cheaper options like Netflix," Franken said. "They aren't stupid and they want to shut it down." [via Ars Technica]

By Electronista Staff