| Overview of the Network Neutrality Act of 2006 |
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The Internet has flourished as an open medium where users can access any lawful content, applications and services, using any devices. Recently, however, executives with some last-mile broadband providers have indicated their intent to engage in a practice which will undermine the openness and accessibility of the Internet, qualities which have made the Internet a major driving force in our nation's economy. These companies have announced an intention to create a fast lane into the home for content providers who will pay them for faster access, with a slow lane for everyone else. In addition to limiting customer choice, this two lane plan will have a dramatic adverse effect on innovation. The next Google which is struggling in a garage somewhere today will not be able to afford to pay the fees to get into the fast lane over the last mile and will be relegated to the slow lane. It is not going to be able to compete with the established Internet-based companies.
To prevent this outcome, I have co-authored H.R. 5273, the Network Neutrality Act of 2006. This measure would: § Prohibit a broadband provider from interfering with users' access to lawful Internet content, applications or services and their ability to attach any nonharmful device to the broadband network. § Require a broadband provider to provide users with accurate information about the speed, nature and limitations of their broadband service. § Require a broadband provider to offer broadband service to any person on reasonable request. § Prohibit a broadband provider from discriminating in favor of itself in the allocation, use or quality of broadband services or interconnection with other broadband networks. § Require a broadband provider to allow any person to offer Internet content, applications or services with equivalent or better capability than the operator affords its own or affiliated content, applications or services at no charge. § Require a broadband provider, if it prioritizes or offers enhanced quality of service to data of a particular type, to prioritize or offer enhanced quality of service to all data of that type at no charge. § Allow a broadband provider in a nondiscriminatory manner to manage the functioning of its network, protect network security, offer different levels of transmission speed or bandwidth, offer consumer protection services, prevent violations of federal or state law and offer a cable service consistent with the other requirements of the measure. § Give the FCC 180 days to prescribe regulations for an expedited complaint process with a 90 day shot clock. |
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