Introduction of the Network Neutrality Act of 2006

INTRODUCTION OF NETWORK NEUTRALITY ACT OF 2006
[SOURCE: Rep Ed Markey (D-MA)]
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the “Network Neutrality Act of 2006.” Joining me today as original cosponsors of this important legislation are Rep. Rick Boucher, Rep. Anna Eshoo and Rep. Jay Inslee. This network neutrality bill has essentially three parts. The first part articulates overall broadband and network neutrality goals for the country, and spells out exactly what network neutrality means and puts it into the statute so that it will possess the force of law. The second part embodies reasonable exceptions to the general rules, such as to route emergency communications or offer consumer protection features, such as spam blocking technology. And the final part of the bill features an expedited complaint process to deal with grievances and violations within thirty days. The legislation states that a broadband network provider may not block, impair, degrade or discriminate against the ability of any person to use a broadband connection to access the content, applications, and services available on broadband networks, including the Internet. It ensures that broadband network providers operate their networks in a non-discriminatory manner. The bill also ensures that consumers can attach any device to the broadband operator’s network, such as an Internet phone, or wi-fi router, or settop box, or any other innovative gadget invented in the coming years. Moreover, in order to prevent the warping of the World Wide Web into a system of “tiered service,” the legislation will prevent broadband providers from charging new bottleneck fees for enhanced quality of service or the prioritization of bits. Finally, if a broadband provider chooses to prioritize data of any type, it requires that it do so for all data of that type and not charge a fee for such prioritization. For instance, if a broadband provider wants to prioritize the transmission of bits representing a VOIP phone call for its own VOIP service, it must do so for all VOIP services so as not to put its competitors at an arbitrary disadvantage. The Network Neutrality Act of 2006 offers Members a clear choice. It is a choice between favoring the broadband designs of a small handful of very large companies, and safeguarding the dreams of thousands of inventors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. This legislation is designed to save the Internet and thwart those who seek to fundamentally and detrimentally alter the Internet as we know it. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bill and urge the House to take a decisive stand in favor of network neutrality.
http://markey.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1515&I...

* Text of bill:
http://markey.house.gov/docs/telecomm/Markey%20Net%20Neutrality%20Act%20...

* Markey Offers Solo Bill On 'Network Neutrality'
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-YTLB1146684168424.html

* Democrats introduce net neutrality bill
http://www.infoworld.com/article/06/05/02/78012_HNdemsnetneutrality_1.ht...

* Public Knowledge Praises Markey Net Neutrality Legislation
http://www.publicknowledge.org/pressroom/releases/pressrelease.2006-05-0...