President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to preventing communications giants from dominating the Internet by blocking or degrading broadband service during a major speech on Friday where he unveiled a report summarizing a 60-day assessment of how the government responds to cyber attacks. During a White House event, Obama said: "I remain firmly committed to net neutrality so we can keep the Internet as it should be -- open and free." Craig Aaron, senior program director of Free Press, cheered the mention, saying it made clear Obama considers net neutrality "an essential component of his administration's sweeping Internet agenda." "The president's words send a strong message to Congress and the Federal Communications Commission -- as well as the phone and cable companies -- that now is the time to end the stalemate on this crucial issue and secure the open Internet for future generations," he said.
Earlier this month, FCC Acting Chairman Michael Copps said telecommunications and cable providers of broadband service that block or degrade Internet content for anti-competitive reasons could soon be hit with tough penalties, including fines. Speaking after a speech at a daylong policy summit sponsored by Free Press, he said the strict enforcement would be part of a fifth principle his agency plans to add to net neutrality guidelines governing an accessible Internet. The Democratic commissioner said the plank would be modeled on requirements the commission imposed on the 2006 merger of AT&T and BellSouth. Industry players consider an anti-discriminatory requirement unnecessary and warn it could dissuade future investments in high-speed Internet technology. Read more in CongressDaily here (subscription required).
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Responded on November 1, 2009 3:27 PM
Francis
Its a sad fact that eventually everything we do on the internet will be regulated. Many people say it cannot be done but do some research on China. They have regulated the internet and even companies like Google have removed things from their search engine on the China Google. So its just a matter of time unfortunately. I run a online business school called hard money lenders and this is one of our classes and we go over this topic quite often.
Responded on September 24, 2009 5:41 PM
Michael
I love watching sports on the internet and if it started to be regualted I would be very upset. The internet is a place where people can say what they want and not get into trouble. I think Obama should leave it alone if you ask me. Everything they touch they ruin.
Responded on September 24, 2009 5:22 PM
Steven
I think the internet should be unregulated, there are so many rules in society. I run several Rome luxury hotels Italy and our people love the internet. I hope it stays the way it is and doesnt turn into a super regulated place.
Responded on September 16, 2009 7:58 PM
Amanda
Hopefully the big companies will not be allowed to create a monopoly, but do we really want more federal regulations. I own a printed circuit boards company and there are already many regulations. It will not surprise me if the internet becomes highly regulated.
Responded on September 15, 2009 8:30 AM
Jackie
I dont think the internet should be regulated but I think it will before you know it. I bet the next thing that gets taxed is your internet activities. I cannot even afford cheap party supplies. I think we should start helping American people not txing them to death. Thats what this is all about. Hopefully people will see the light.
Responded on September 13, 2009 12:07 AM
Jamie
I think we should watch our spending, it seems we just waste our money. I run a outside umbrellas company and its very hard for me to get loans and things I need for my business. America need to help america now and quit thinking about other countries that dont care about us.
Responded on September 5, 2009 10:18 PM
John
I agree with cassandra, I believe that President Obama is on the right track. Hopefully we can make some changes for the better. I really want to test out my new callaway golf clubs! I believe that the internet should be a place for everyone : )
Responded on August 6, 2009 6:12 AM
Cassandra
This is a great move by Obama. Net neutrality is important to make sure that big companies can't create a monopoly. I work at an online dating site and totally support this move. Also, ISPs should think again about launching metered connections. The internet is already quite expensive and we don't want to shell $100 per month for an unlimited net connection.