The proposed network neutrality legislation working its way through Congress poses a threat to many of us who relies on the net for political news and discussion. The proposal, considered to be potentially capable of generating billions of dollars in profits for large telecoms, cable companies and even internet companies, would allow a two tier pricing system to be set up by the companies, with users being forced to pay more for premium services and faster access.
But, according to an article in the Austin American Statesman, this bill that could have such a chilling effect on the internet isn't going to be debated in public. Instead, legislators are planning to work out the details in committee, where corporate lobbyists will be the ones ultimately crafting the law.
The Senate just needs to pass "anything to get us into conference," where the real decisions will be made, House telecommunications subcommittee chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., said Tuesday at a telecom forum hosted by National Journal's Technology Daily.
...While most conference negotiations are closed to public view, lobbyists continue to influence the members and their staffers.
...Several senators and their staffers have complained, off the record, that the process has been closed even to them. The crucial work is being done by top staffers for Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens, R-Alaska.
The draft bill that Stevens rolled out last Monday has essentially no protections for network neutrality, requiring only that federal regulators write annual reports on the delivery of internet services. The Commerce Committee has scheduled consideration of the bill for June 8, with a vote perhaps in August. The House bill is somewhat stronger, but still leaves unfettered access to the internet by consumers at risk, as any protections could easily be stripped later in conference committee meetings.
A broad coalition, comprised of such diverse groups as Free Press, Gun Owners of America, Consumers Union, MoveOn.org Civic Action, and the American Library Association, is fighting to preserve network neutrality, through their Save the Internet website, which offers a variety of ways consumers can take action to oppose threats to net neutrality. The quickest way to participate is to sign the petition (it has over half a million signatures already).