Wyden Offers 'Net Neutrality' Bill

[SOURCE: Technology Daily 3/2, AUTHOR: Drew Clark]
Communications companies could not create a "priority lane" allowing some content owners to have faster Internet connections to consumers under legislation unveiled by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR). The measure would require Internet service providers to treat content equally by not blocking, degrading, altering or modifying data traffic. Refraining from blocking Internet content is a core aspect of the non-discriminatory "network neutrality" principles that are widely endorsed within the technology and communications industries. The FCC last August issued a policy statement in support of Internet neutrality. Besides encoding the principles in law, Sen Wyden's bill would take a significant step by barring carriers from creating a high-speed lane for some Web site owners at the expense of others. Sen Wyden's bill also would enforce other aspects of network neutrality, including provisions allowing consumers to choose Internet connection devices. The measure also further seeks to ensure transparency in the rates, terms and conditions for Internet services.
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-XSNO1141420510008.html

See also:

* Senate Bill to Address Fears of Blocked Access to Net
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/02/technology/02online.html

* The High-Speed Money Line
One way or another, consumers are going to pay more in the future for Web content, experts say.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/06/technology/06broadband.html?n=Top/