Released: June 13, 2006

Senate stays course on ‘net neutrality’

Source: By Arshad Mohammed, Washington Post

Senate staffers appear to have made little progress resolving one of the most contentious issues in new telecom legislation: whether to impose “net neutrality” provisions that would limit how cable and telephone companies may charge others for access to their networks.

A fresh draft of telecom legislation released by the Senate Commerce Committee yesterday leaves its net neutrality language untouched, simply requiring the Federal Communications Commission to study the issue annually and to report back if it sees any problems.

The bill’s major thrust would make it easier for telephone companies to get franchises to offer cable TV service. The panel is scheduled to hold a third hearing on the bill today and to hold a mark-up on the legislation June 20.

Net neutrality advocates fear network owners will cut deals to give some content providers priority delivery, putting those who don’t pay at a disadvantage. Phone and cable companies say they will not block Web sites but should be allowed to manage their networks and to charge more to those who want guaranteed fast delivery.

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