Without clear rules, providers could limit access

[Commentary] You probably take the open Internet for granted. When you go online, you go wherever you want and do whatever you want, anytime.

The Internet is the modern town square -- and the beauty of it is there are no gatekeepers, tollbooths or walled gardens getting in the way. All of this openness is made possible by the principle of "network neutrality." But now, companies like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon want to end net neutrality and create fast and slow lanes for content and users. They want to decide which Web sites and services work best -- based on whom they can cut a deal with. They want to end the free and open Internet as we know it. That means Comcast could decide to slow down YouTube in favor of Hulu, or favor Google over Bing.

We've seen what happens -- from the meltdown on Wall Street to the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico -- when industry is allowed to regulate itself. It's time for the FCC to step up and take action. Smart policies, starting with clear net neutrality rules no matter how you access the Internet, are the best way to protect consumers, promote investment and create new jobs.