Wyden to ISPs: "Think twice" about 'Net neutrality... or else

[Commentary] Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) stepped in front of a group of tech executives in Washington to deliver a surprisingly sharp defense of Network Neutrality. Pledging to use "every ounce of my energy to protect Network Neutrality," Sen Wyden had a message for Internet Service provider (ISPs) who might be pondering new charges for various forms of access: "think twice." If ISPs start down that road, they might soon find that they lose key legal protections including "safe harbors" and tax freedom. Sen Wyden cast the entire network neutrality debate in terms of a legislative compromise. Years ago, Congress began protecting ISPs from the twin threats of regulation and taxation; in return, ISPs were expected to deliver an unimpeded connection to the Internet. A move away from a neutral 'Net would undermine the "very philosophical underpinnings of what we fought for for the last 15 years," according to Sen Wyden. If that happens, he sees no reason for Congress to continue sheltering ISPs.
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