Reps Doyle and Markey: FCC Should Move on Net Neutrality In December

Countering Republican opposition to the Federal Communications Commission possibly moving forward with a network neutrality order during its December meeting, Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) put out the following statement: "Net neutrality is essential for continuing the rapid pace of innovative Internet technology and content, and I look forward to hearing [FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's] plans to protect the Internet, and to working with him to ensure that the Internet is open to all voices."

Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) added: "It is my hope that the Commission will act this year to ensure that the Internet retains the features of openness and non-discrimination that have made it the most successful communications and commercial medium in history. The Commission should resist attempts to permit paid prioritization on the Internet, which would undermine its success, favoring certain content providers to the detriment of other content creators unable or unwilling to pay. Likewise, exclusion of wireless services from open Internet requirements could widen the digital divide by establishing a substandard, less open experience for traditionally underserved regions and demographic groups that may need to access the Internet on a mobile device."