Obama's Telecom Policies Suggest Open-Internet Push

Sen Barack Obama (D-IL) is seen as likely to push for key changes in telecommunications policies that would expand Internet businesses if he's elected US president. He supports Network Neutrality legislation which prevents Internet providers from interfering with Web content based on its source or ownership. Internet companies that advocate open online access, such as Google, would be the winners under that scenario. Smaller companies like eBay and Amazon.com also would benefit. Traditional phone and cable companies balk at government mandates for Internet nondiscrimination, saying the industry can best handle network management problems on its own. Obama's presidential rival, Sen John McCain (R-AZ), agrees with the phone and cable companies on network neutrality. Sen McCain has repeatedly used the phrase "market-based" in describing his approach to Internet access and competition. He also has said regulators aren't equipped to anticipate fast-moving industry developments. Not surprisingly, top Google officials aligned themselves with the Obama camp early in the campaign before it was clear he would secure the Democratic nomination.
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