Free Press open to backing network neutrality proposal without Title II effort

Free Press is open to supporting a potential network neutrality proposal from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski even if its preferred legal framework is not chosen as the basis of the agency's authority.

If a prospective network neutrality proposal is unveiled, it should be "judged on the merits of net neutrality," while "Title II is a broader" question, Free Press political adviser Joel Kelsey said. With Chairman Genachowski attempting what appears to be a renewed effort to create network neutrality rules, analysts are predicting he will use the weaker Title I, rather than Title II, to stake the agency's authority. Free Press is nevertheless open to backing the potential proposal, even if it is not accompanied by an attempt to place broadband services under Title II.

"The most important component to get correct is the actual policy itself — the actual policy that will govern the rules of the road and determine if there's discrimination over the Internet," Kelsey said. He reiterated that Title II is Free Press's "preference" as a legal framework, and that its needed for agency initiatives beyond net neutrality, such as the National Broadband Plan. But he added that "we're open to looking at any theories the FCC has for its jurisdiction."