More Hostile Environment For Network Neutrality After Nov Elections

With Republicans poised to make gains in both chambers of Congress, President Obama's campaign promise to preserve the Internet's openness should face a more hostile reception after the midterm elections.

If Republicans take control of the House, either Rep Fred Upton (R-MI) or rep Cliff Stearns (R-FL) would likely chair the House Commerce Committee. Rep Upton opposes government regulation of the Internet as favored by advocates of net neutrality and has called FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's plan to reclassify broadband under a more stringent regulatory regime a "blind power grab." Rep Stearns has been an outspoken critic of government regulation of the Internet and went so far as to introduce a bill aimed at prohibiting the Federal Communications Commission from subjecting broadband to a heavier government hand.