Internet's value tied to keeping it neutral

INTERNET'S VALUE TIED TO KEEPING IT NEUTRAL
[SOURCE: Portland Press Herald, AUTHOR: Editorial staff]
[Commentary] Successful economic eras can usually be traced back to a technology breakthrough and the public policy decisions made to support it. In the years leading up to and during the early 21st century, the Internet has emerged as a technological development on par with the creation of the railroad or telephone. And like those inventions, the impact of the Internet on our economy -- and, in this case, on our ability to exercise our free-speech rights -- has been aided by sensible public policy choices. Setting the Internet up as a resource available to all on the same, low-cost terms has made it an unprecedented innovation tool. It has also allowed the Internet to become the place where just about anybody can start a business or make their voice and views available to the world. Now, however, there are forces working to undo the sensible and essential rules that govern the use of the Internet. Some -- though not all -- Internet service providers want the ability to create two standards for Internet transmission. Even if it's true that getting rid of net neutrality would bring consumers cheaper Internet service, the cost to the overall economy in lost innovation would hardly make the change worthwhile. Besides, the surest way to give consumers the best price is to make it possible for multiple players to package and offer local and national television content, high-speed Internet, phone and cell-phone services. As we move in that direction, we'll also need a system for raising money to provide incentives to providers to serve rural areas. All that can be accomplished without undermining the principle that the Internet should serve all comers on an equal basis.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/viewpoints/editorials/070512netneutral...