Public comments remind us why 'network neutrality' matters

Reading through people's filings in the Federal Communications Commission's network neutrality proceeding, O'Brien was reminded not only of how vital this issue is, but how fundamentally we've come to depend on the Internet.

If we want to make sure the Internet remains a source of innovation, and that consumers control what they access online, and that new services continue to boost our economy, then it's critical that the FCC adopt these rules. Network operators such as Comcast are opposed to these new rules, saying they agree with most of the principles and that there's no need for costly new regulations. They also argue that unnecessary limits on their ability to manage their networks could limit future investments in those networks. I'd heard that argument before but don't think for a moment these companies will stop or slow upgrades. Still, there were others making these arguments as well.

Dan Krimm, a Californian musician, writes: "This is a matter of freedom of communication: freedom to be heard by anyone who wants to hear you. This should be a basic right of citizenship, and it should not be treated only as an economic matter."