The Four Hundred--As I See It: Net Reality

A good summary of the "Network Neutrality" issue. I say it's good because it supports my own view that Internet access should be a utility. For telcos to change to a tiered network, there will no longer be a level playing field for innovation. Everthing will be biased to those companies with deep pockets to pay the telcos extortion for access to their customers.

"There is a precedent for institutionalizing net neutrality. In Japan, the United Kingdom, and South Korea, it is a matter of law. Our own House and Senate are currently grappling with different versions of something called 'The Communications Opportunity Promotion and Enhancement Act.' Like many such bills, the name is designed to obfuscate its true intention: the primary 'opportunity' the act champions is the chance for the telecommunications giants to gain control of the Internet. Reportedly, Congress was flooded with 500,000 letters and e-mails from citizens concerned with keeping the Internet democratic and neutral. Will Congress listen? Robert Reich doesn't think so. 'Don't bet on it,' he says. 'This Congress is not in the habit of listening to small guys.'"

This bill was sponsored by our own Texas Rep. Joe Barton, so I looked up his campaign financing at the excellent website opensecrets.org and found Comcast and Verizon his #1 and #3 contributors, with AT&T coming in at #9. Coincidence?