Net Neutrality needed to save the Internet
Brandon Van Westen
Issue date: 11/4/09 Section: Opinion & Editorial
On Sept. 21, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski announced the FCC will work to enact regulations supporting "Network Neutrality" - or the ubiquitous deregulation of Internet traffic. This is a move to prohibit Internet service providers from reducing or altering their customers' bandwidth. For example, an ISP like Comcast could reduce bandwidth to specific Web sites like Google or services like Xbox Live. While some see benefits in allowing this type of filtering, the FCC has officially stated their intent to allow completely unregulated access to the Internet. Of course, there is already a chorus of anti-regulation, pro-business legislators coming out of the woodwork with anti-Net Neutrality legislation.
Former presidential candidate and "political maverick" Sen. John McCain came to the rescue of repressed ISPs and wireless providers everywhere with his "Internet Freedom Act."
"It will allow for continued innovation that will in turn create more high-paying jobs for the millions of Americans who are out of work or seeking new employment," said McCain. "Keeping businesses free from oppressive regulations is the best stimulus for the current economy."
In his opinion, the future of the Internet cannot be determined by the Federal Communications Commission, but rather the companies that provide Internet access. For him, Net Neutrality will be harmful to the economy.
Sen. McCain feels that the federal commission that is responsible for communications should not be allowed to regulate the largest communication network in the country. Since the Internet falls outside the access of the government, we should fully expect television and radio broadcasts to feature the same benefits, right?
Other opponents to the FCC's proclamation see it as unconstitutional. The FCC cannot propose or instigate regulations without the approval of the U.S. Congress. Currently, Congress has not made a decision for or against further Internet regulations.
Former presidential candidate and "political maverick" Sen. John McCain came to the rescue of repressed ISPs and wireless providers everywhere with his "Internet Freedom Act."
"It will allow for continued innovation that will in turn create more high-paying jobs for the millions of Americans who are out of work or seeking new employment," said McCain. "Keeping businesses free from oppressive regulations is the best stimulus for the current economy."
In his opinion, the future of the Internet cannot be determined by the Federal Communications Commission, but rather the companies that provide Internet access. For him, Net Neutrality will be harmful to the economy.
Sen. McCain feels that the federal commission that is responsible for communications should not be allowed to regulate the largest communication network in the country. Since the Internet falls outside the access of the government, we should fully expect television and radio broadcasts to feature the same benefits, right?
Other opponents to the FCC's proclamation see it as unconstitutional. The FCC cannot propose or instigate regulations without the approval of the U.S. Congress. Currently, Congress has not made a decision for or against further Internet regulations.
The Collegian is not responsible for any comments made by contributors below.
However, The Collegian will exercise its right to moderate and edit comments which are deemed to be offensive or unsuited to the subject matter of this site.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Imagephreak
posted 11/08/09 @ 12:29 PM CST
It's another power grab by the Federal Govt. WAKE UP PEOPLE!
Mitch
Mitch
posted 11/16/09 @ 9:19 PM CST
I disagree, Brandon. We citizens do not need net neutrality, unless we strictly define the phrase as the State's position towards a truly free marketplace. (Continued…)
Post a Comment