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EXCLUSIVE: FCC Dems Narrowing Net Neutrality Gaps

By David Hatch December 19, 2010 | 6:04 PM
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Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski is making progress in narrowing gaps with his two Democratic colleagues over his controversial plan to adopt sweeping new rules for the Internet, National Journal has learned. But with the talks very fluid, and differences remaining, there's still a possibility that the regulatory initiative could be pulled at the last minute from the agenda of Tuesday's commission meeting. Genachowski needs the support of Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn to approve his "network neutrality" proposal, which would create enforceable rules designed to protect the openness that is the Internet's hallmark. While both Copps and Clyburn are net neutrality advocates, they've complained that the chairman's framework cuts too many breaks for major telecommunications and cable providers of broadband. The two Republicans on the five-member commission remain staunchly opposed, arguing that the proposed rules amount to unnecessary government regulation of the Internet. An FCC source familiar with the negotiations said progress is being made in three key areas: addressing concerns about wireless carriers, limiting Internet toll lanes and adding protections for a new online pricing model. Responding to the complaint that the proposal, announced Dec. 1, would not bar discriminatory blocking of rival applications and services by wireless carriers. Genachowski appears willing to have the FCC monitor the situation over the next two years. Critics have noted that the proposed rules are more stringent for wireline carriers, even though Americans are rapidly gravitating to mobile connectivity. Wireless carriers have endorsed (albeit grudgingly) the net neutrality plan, offering Genachowski critical industry support that can help dampen congressional criticism. They insist they need maximum flexibility in operating their networks due to capacity constraints, and won't block competitors. If clear violations emerge, the agency would promulgate new protections down the road, the source said. Genachowski's side has argued during closed-door negotiations that since the wireless market is still developing, tougher rules shouldn't be applied now. Despite the progress, the source said the fate of the net neutrality proposal hinges on details to be ironed out over wireless service. The FCC chairman also appears willing to limit the creation of toll lanes on the Internet for companies willing to pay for faster transmissions -- a structure known as "paid prioritization." As a result, the agency might specify scenarios under which such lanes would be barred because of concern about harm to consumers or competition. The chairman originally green lighted these arrangements in his announcement, raising worries that entities unable or unwilling to pay for priority treatment would be relegated to slow lanes. Regarding a new form of Internet pricing that would charge customers based on the bandwidth they use, the chairman also may be ready to give some ground. Usage or metered pricing is allowable now, but most broadband providers have been hesitant to offer it because heavy Internet users would be slapped with higher fees -- a result that could draw brickbats from Washington. Genachowski, who endorsed the model as part of his net neutrality announcement, now appears receptive to placing some limits on it. For example, the FCC would prohibit a broadband provider from imposing exorbitant metered pricing fees on Netflix customers if the goal is to prompt them to switch to its less costly video service.
CATEGORIES:Broadband, FCC

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We come down on the side of more gov't control. Our Founder's human rights legacy, as the LIBERAL LION fighting for "the little guy" is always under attack, by sites like http://www.FATBOY.cc Ted Kennedy's SEARCH+RESCUE | December 20, 2010 1:19 AM

DON'T TOUCH MY JUNK!!!!!

CoCoJoe | December 20, 2010 12:51 AM

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Yet another "independent" government entity that is being used to do the dirty work of the Obama administration. This is another one for the Supreme Court. Boy Obama is going to keep them busy! Mark | December 20, 2010 12:44 AM

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The RULING CLASS wants to prohibit sites like http://www.BorderInvasionPics.com USA: THIRD WORLD RISING | December 20, 2010 12:38 AM

Whether or not one agrees with the policy itself is almost beside the point. The real issue is that an entity within the federal government is issuing legal edicts out side the process of law. subg88 | December 20, 2010 12:34 AM

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Leave the Internet alone. Progressives think they know better then you and I, they take, and take, and take... Benny | December 20, 2010 12:34 AM

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Al Gore is GREEN...with $$$$$$$$$$ http://www.M4GW.com AL GORE IS A LIAR | December 20, 2010 12:30 AM

we need to quit bitching about the govt. and start thowning all elected officals [bastards] out of office and start over. claude | December 20, 2010 12:28 AM

States Tech Daily AM -- 2/14/07 Tech Trail 2008 Telecom Trade Washington White House YouTube Debates digitalfuture internet governance piracy social media

@Inezor Sir, techie or not, you are an idiot. Julius Grenachowski is a central planning little tyrant who is desperate to control the web just as our beloved government controls television, radio, and every other aspect of life. Net neutrality is the first step. I won't even start with the argument THAT HE HAS NO AUTHORITY TO DO ANY OF THIS AND HE IS BREAKING THE LAW. Tell me where in the Constitution does it say that ONE MAN (or a commission of 5, whatever) can regulate a whole industry BASED ON SPEECH NO LESS? And don't go referencing the commerce clause and all that BS. The intent and purpose of the commerce clause was never to do what it has been used to do through legislation. Read The Federalist Papers and The Anti-Federalist Papers as well as the writing of Adams. What you do not understand is that people like Grenachowski view the rest of us as just blobs of flesh, skulls full of mush, for the elite (the governing class) to mold into perfect little human specimens. Go back to your stupid games, tea party, and banal "tech" work and leave the politics to those who won't be fooled by fascists like Julius. Keith Snyder | December 20, 2010 12:25 AM

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EXCLUSIVE: FCC Dems Narrowing Net Neutrality Gaps Franken Warns FCC Chief on Net Neutrality, Comcast Deal Rockefeller Reveals Investigation Into Telephone 'Mystery Charges' Dems Announce Ranking Members on Key Committees Bobby Rush Faults FCC Net Neutrality Proposal For Not Helping Low-Income Americans House Oks Bill to Allow More Low-Power Radio Stations House Democrats Ask FCC to Protect School, Library Internet Use Upton Promises Oversight Hearings 'Early' in 112th Congress Level 3 Brings Fee Dispute Into Comcast-NBC Deal Obama Nominates Two Members To Privacy Board

I've come to the conclusion that the average US citizen is feminized and dumb. Our so-called freedom will not last much longer because of this. Merry Christmas.... Kevin | December 20, 2010 12:25 AM

> I am a pretty hardcore right-wing tea partier. > But I'm in favor of the FCC getting involved. > inezor | December 19, 2010 11:46 PM yeah ... hardcore ... right-wing ... sure ... you think the government has a solution. Just blew your opening line or your cover. AZ_Redneck | December 20, 2010 12:21 AM

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Ted Kennedy's SEARCH+RESCUE on EXCLUSIVE: FCC Dems Narrowing Net Neutrality Gaps CoCoJoe on EXCLUSIVE: FCC Dems Narrowing Net Neutrality Gaps Mark on EXCLUSIVE: FCC Dems Narrowing Net Neutrality Gaps USA: THIRD WORLD RISING on EXCLUSIVE: FCC Dems Narrowing Net Neutrality Gaps subg88 on EXCLUSIVE: FCC Dems Narrowing Net Neutrality Gaps Benny on EXCLUSIVE: FCC Dems Narrowing Net Neutrality Gaps AL GORE IS A LIAR on EXCLUSIVE: FCC Dems Narrowing Net Neutrality Gaps claude on EXCLUSIVE: FCC Dems Narrowing Net Neutrality Gaps Keith Snyder on EXCLUSIVE: FCC Dems Narrowing Net Neutrality Gaps Kevin on EXCLUSIVE: FCC Dems Narrowing Net Neutrality Gaps

To inezor; the "hardcore right-wing tea partier." who is "in favor of the FCC getting involved"... First this little enhancement you think it is all good, it seems good, sounds good, but that is just it. Sure they might make this first round all roses. BUT THIS IS ONLY TO GET CONTROL OVER IT! AND HAVE YOU BUY OFF ON IT! Everything after that, after they have control will be to regulate you, monitor you, your speech, your activity, make you get an internet ID so everything you do can all be tied back to you and silence the dissenters such as yourself fellow "TEA PARTIER". YOU ARE THE ENEMY. You were anticipated even before the real Tea Party arrived. Remember the MIAC report? Yeah, that's you labeled a terrorist. You are the threat, not some boogyman in a cave with a beard. YOU ARE THE #1 THREAT. "Leftwingers?" Yeah they have one on you too. It is all of us. If you believe strongly in anything you are a possible threat to the status quo, a threat to what our over sized unconstitutional government has become. These unregulated, unconstitutional Threat Fusion Centers operate unregulated and without punity. When they run out of Muslims to go after they turn on us. When they should be asking themselves what they are doing to create this growing anger and dissent. The underwear bomber was brought on the plane by a state department agent. FALSE FLAG. If there are no boogy men, they need to create one. FRANK THE RABBIT | December 20, 2010 12:16 AM

Call me when it's time for the pitchforks & torches. Jim | December 20, 2010 12:07 AM

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To all those that think this is harmless regulations for ISPs: With the left the issue is never the issue-

Alinsky's Rules learned by Obama at the Midwestern Institute. In these times why is unfairness by some ISPs a major issue- it's not. The issue is getting a toehold. Thanks in part to this internet, we have become to wise for the leftist tricks. double_dipper | December 19, 2010 11:53 PM

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To the "TEA PARTIER", "GAMER". THIS IS INTERNET TAKE OVER. First this little enhancement you think it is all good, it seems good, sounds good, but that is just it. Sure they might make this first round all roses. BUT THIS IS ONLY TO GET CONTROL OVER IT! AND HAVE YOU BUY OFF ON IT! Everything after that, after they have control will be to regulate you, monitor you, your speech, your activity, make you get an internet ID so everything you do can all be tied back to you and silence the dissenters such as yourseld fellow "TEA PARTIER". YOU ARE THE ENEMY. FRANK THE RABBIT | December 19, 2010 11:52 PM

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We used to ride scumbags like them out on a rail after tar and feathering them. There might be an opportunity to turn some bucks supplying the materials. Set up a storefront in DC selling tar, feathers and rails. Yeah, I need investors. This could be a long term thing too, no shortage of scumbags in DC. Wizzid | December 19, 2010 11:51 PM

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Our only hope of saving what is left of america is to root out every last america hating democrat, and that is 99% of all of them and every rino phony republican, and install real americans in the house and senate, no more liars and money grubbers, the tea party is a good start, but must continue more intensly juan | December 19, 2010 11:49 PM

CONTRIBUTOR
Juliana Gruenwald

Who knows? Maybe someday the Communist Control Freaks, infesting what used to be OUR government, will be dragged kicking and screaming before citizen tribunals to answer for their crimes against WE THE PEOPLE. I guess it depends on how many useless trips to the voting booth and how much tyranny the American people are willing to endure before they've finally had enough of the criminal scumbags in DC. Noamsayn? | December 19, 2010 11:48 PM

Editor, Tech Daily Dose Juliana Gruenwald is a special correspondent for CongressDaily where she covers a wide range of issues including technology and telecom policy. She has covered technology and telecom policy issues for more than a decade for such news organizations as National Journal's Technology Daily, Interactive Week magazine and Congressional Quarterly. Contact her at jgruenwald@nationaljournal.com.
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What's wrong with this country??? What's happening here? What's broken? We have gotten ourselves a gang of drunk on power zombie rulers. STOP STOP STOP your agitation and sabotage of this great and once free land, you lowlife parasites. mahnaz | December 19, 2010 11:47 PM

I am a pretty hardcore right-wing tea partier. But I'm in favor of the FCC getting involved. I've always been a techie, and here's what's what: Net neutrality is NOT a government takeover of the internet. It's simply a rule that makes it illegal for service providers to give preferences to certain kinds of network traffic. For instance, as a gamer, it's likely that my ping (latency) in games would spike due to my traffic not being preferable to my service provider. On the other hand, if this provider is partnered with certain news sites or retailers, those connections would be unbelievably fast, while my bandwidth gets squashed. Basically this legislation means that the current status quo will be preserved, and no person's choice of their use of the internet is treated any differently from any other user on the network. This is important to maintain "digital equal rights" between users. inezor | December 19, 2010 11:46 PM

THE DEMOC RATS WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO HASTEN THE DOWNFALL OF THE USA, THEY NEED MORE MONEY TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR GOAL, THE INTERNET IS A CASH COW JUST WAITING FOR THEIR YELLOW ROTTEN BLOOD THIRSTY FANGS TO DRAIN OF ITS BLOOD...AS AN EXAMPLE 25 MILLION ILLEGAL ALIENS HAVE INVADED THIS COUNTY AND ARE HELPING THEM DESTROY IT WITH THE AMERICA HATING DEMOCRAT TRAITORS BLESSING. juan | December 19, 2010 11:45 PM

The bloodsucking government control freaks have sucked everything else dry and now they are looking to the last frontier of free enterprise, the Internet. With many western governments now facing bankruptcy, new tax revenue is desperately needed. The vampire zombies need to feed. This is just the beginning. They will loot everything from Internet providers all the way down to mom and pop websites. Nothing will be spared. Dustin Dollar | December 19, 2010 11:44 PM

Also, corporations will stop paying the lobbyists/congressmen millions of $$ when(never) govt shrinks and regulates industry less,,,because then the corporations will not need to pay the "protection $ if the govt is not involved in their marketplace. This is not about what is right or wrong policy,the libs will give you excuses why they want to do these things,,,when the real motive is money and power. That's why the most honest govt is the smallest govt. David | December 19, 2010 11:44 PM

Let's see! They now control: Our Health -- Obamacare Our Food Supply -- passed the FSMA 2 weeks ago Our Finances -- passed financial regulation last summer Our Communications -- FCC to declare net neutrality tomorrow Our Energy -- EPA declared last Christmas Eve that it will impose Cap and Trade,

with or without Congress Not much left! Tyranny has found a home in America! sbenard | December 19, 2010 11:41 PM

What's next? Regulation of content of conversations on telephones & cell phones? gasman | December 19, 2010 11:38 PM

It's always all about the money. The Dems want to threaten and regulate the Internet companies so those parties will have to pay "protection" money to the lobbyists/congressman. It's the same trick the mafia uses. The internet is so big that to leave it unregulated is a mi$$ed donation. David | December 19, 2010 11:35 PM

At some point the American people will get violent with their betters in Washington and it will be a lovely sight to see. I will not participate in the violence, but I will not condemn it nor will I put forth any attempt to stop it. Iconoclast | December 19, 2010 11:30 PM

@HOSTILELOGIC - Barry Goldwater did not start the saying about government being big enough to take everything ou have, it was Thomas Jefferson who did. But I do appreciate your point. I'm just sayin'. Jennifer | December 19, 2010 11:26 PM

Look at the "experience" of our dear Chairwoman of the FCC. Chosen by Obammo as a useful female idiot. Two (2) birds with one stone. Only problem with HER is the retraining after the coffee break. Been my experience that whenever leftys start talking about being "neutral" it is just another name for "tilting" . Dick Tuck | December 19, 2010 11:25 PM

All I can say is all theTPTB in this country have been infiltrated for years--CONGRESS,MILITARY,USSC,MOST FED JUDGES. If somebody soon doesn't have a pang of conscious, your PC will become a thing of the past. ''INTERNET''-----WHAT INTERNET ??? ANTOINETTE WISNESKIK | December 19, 2010 11:24 PM

Once you give up something to the government, it is very hard to get it back. The best government is the one that governs least. The FCC has a vested interest in this, add restrictions, you need more 'oversight', more oversight means adding more federal employees, we all know we need more of that. More power to the govenrment, and worse, they are not even elected officials. So, they aswer to no one. It is not like 'we the people' can thow them out at the next elecion. Dan Clayburn | December 19, 2010 11:24 PM

Does anyone really trust this government? I don't trust one word they say....they have poked us in the eyes almost daily, and I don't think this will be any different. It is a shame we have so many in D.C. that we cannot trust, our Forefathers would be furious! The gov. should not be involved in the internet at all, anything they get involved in turns into a pile! Nothing works right when they get involved, usually the only thing that comes out of their messes, is we end up either paying more in prices or taxes! charlieshorses | December 19, 2010 11:23 PM

All I can say is all theTPTB in this country have been infiltrated for years--CONGRESS,MILITARY,USSC,MOST FED JUDGES. If somebody soon doesn't have a pang of conscious, your PC will become a thing of the past. ''INTERNET''-----WHAT INTERNET ??? ANTOINETTE WISNESKIK | December 19, 2010 11:23 PM

The Democrats want to f--k, suck and run amok and have the rest of us pay for it. Criminal leeches for the most part. Millard | December 19, 2010 11:22 PM

Good to see all you communist-hating Bush lovers pretending to care about federal power grabs and the Bill of Rights. And hilarious to see all the naive liberals thinking they are being protected from greedy ISPs. How old are these people? Do they pay attention at all to what lies behind the tired mask of "good intentions". Joe Nunya | December 19, 2010 11:19 PM

never forget...in the mid 1930s, president roosevelt initiated the first welfare laws....in its original form, welfare was limited to payments for lifetime maximum of 2-years, limited only to married women who had been widowed and had two or more children of preschool age....by the 1970s, welfare was a #300 billion per year handout to any unmarried woman of any age for any amount of children for lifetime benefits....in fact, by the 1970's, welfare was for unmarried women only - not for married women.

skippy777 | December 19, 2010 11:18 PM

They said if we voted for McCain that we would loose our freedoms... damn if they weren't right. Demorats | December 19, 2010 11:14 PM

"Next will be free laptops for those democrap voters to go with their free 200 min cell phones they already have. Life is good for those who vote for free stuff. sam jolley " Sam, they already get free laptops, remember the Al Gore surcharge in your telephone bill? That surcharge should now be reviewed and terminated. The same goes for the tax for the Spanish American War we still pay. CopyKatnj | December 19, 2010 11:13 PM

This is about money and power. The Obama regime is desperate to get more money in any form it can to spend on pet projects. Additionally, it gives the government a foot hold in the internet reglatory area. Once in it will only expand and when considering this regime, it won;t be good. CopyKatnj | December 19, 2010 11:08 PM

Are you starting to feel like someone has a rope around your neck, and that it's getting a bit tighter every day? This govt. will come up with many different names for what they're doing, and many reasons why they're doing it. (like it's for the "children") But all these things are being done for the same reason. CONTROL! The Left will not rest until they control every aspect of your day-t o-day life. What you eat. What you drive. What your kids are taught. What kind of light bulbs you can use, etc. Think that's crazy? Wake-up and look a around you. A. Levy | December 19, 2010 11:03 PM

May we see a showing of hands? How many of you who have come to rely on the vigorous, vibrant explosion of the internet, this tool for freedom and creativity without which there would now be no real information in the hands of the people -- how many of you would like the government now to step in and "regulate" things? I see, so you think that's going to help things along? Right. Okay, all those who raised their hands could you please step over this way, fill out these forms - and board the waiting boxcars. Schnell! Macht Schnell! Rod Taylor | December 19, 2010 11:01 PM

Dems are such hypocrites. Goal: To eliminate the opiate. They are power hungry anti-Bible socialists/communists, and either atheists, agnostics, or occult new agers who listen to channeling spirits pushing false and mentally ill monism, pantheism, relativism, and polytheism. Obama keeps occult good luck charms in his pocket which includes a Hindu monkey god. With them in power, expect Christian and conservative Jewish Websites to be censored, but smvtt sites to increase. JandJ | December 19, 2010 11:00 PM

Does anyone remember how simple your phone bill was before Washington screwed over Ma Bell. Now it is three pages to list all the fees and taxes that make it more costly for less service. Now we will have the same for the internet in order to give access to those who are government dependents. Next will be free laptops for those democrap voters to go with their free 200 min cell phones they already have. Life is good for those who vote for free stuff. sam jolley | December 19, 2010 10:57 PM

Nothing will be done to stop this Internet control.the entire PTB are infiltrated by SOROS,CFR BILDERBERGERS ETC.--MILITARY,USSC most all judges and probably most all of congress and have been for many years to change our country to "NEW WORLD ORDER". Looks like we woke up too late!! Get ready we will soon be a Marxist country.INTERNET------WHAT "INTERNET" !!!!!!! ANNE MARIE | December 19, 2010 10:54 PM

Yeah... Protect Internet Freedom, Man! Cuz the papers have been OVERLOADED with stories about people who haven't been able to surf. Have you noticed? Of course you have. I'll be you know at least three people who have said, "Damn. Couldn't surf the other night AGAIN" RIGHT? -- THIS IS ANOTHER CRISIS WITHOUT ACTUAL PROBLEM. Primary Concerns | December 19, 2010 10:52 PM

Remember that a government big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take away everything you have. ~ Barry Goldwater ## "Net Neutrality" is a stalking horse for speech control. The jowls of talking heads are flapping furiously over the prospect that Obama is now moving to the center. Believe this? Then I have a bridge for sale that you will just love. Obama will now use every device at his disposal to bypass congress, causing as much chaos & crisis as he can. Count on it! HostileLogic | December 19, 2010 10:51 PM

some commenters assume that the courts will overturn fcc's foray into the world of the internet....think again.....the four uber liberal supreme court's justices - three females and stephen breyer - never read a law that controls americans that they didn't like....IF one of the five conservative judges dies or retires, ovomit will replace him with an ultra liberal female...ovomit will not follow tradition by replacing a conservative with a conservative.

skippy777 | December 19, 2010 10:50 PM

What is wrong with Net Neutrality? Would you want your phone company to require you to purchase an additional phone line to use a fax machine or MODEM? Net Neutrality is the same thing. Your ISP should not be able to restrict the data on your Internet connection. Why should they? It isn't their business. I am at a complete loss as to why the conservative 'leaders' oppose Net Neutrality. There are only three possibilities; one, they are ignorant, two, they are in the employ of Comcast, or three, they are striving for pure free enterprise. The last is fine, I suppose, if we lived in a land of pure free enterprise, but we do not. Good day. Denver | December 19, 2010 10:43 PM

But Dad, I just want to talk to the other kids...I promise I won't start any trouble! I Promise! Awwww come on dad! "People simply disappeared, always during the night. Your name was removed from the registers, every record of everything you had ever done was wiped out, your one-time existence was denied and then forgotten. You were abolished, annihilated: vaporized was the usual word." Do you really believe that this "protective act" is intended for our good? Michael | December 19, 2010 10:39 PM

if the government can take something small away, they can take it all awaqy charles | December 19, 2010 10:38 PM

It has also been ruled in Federal court that the FCC does not have the authority regulate the internet. What part of NO do they not understand? http://www.heritage.org/Research/Reports/2010/04/TheFCC-and-Broadband-Regulation-What-Part-of-No-Did-Y o u-Not-Understand Shawn | December 19, 2010 10:31 PM

It seems a few folks have missed the key point here. The FCC has no legal authority to do this. And has been so informed by Congress. Their response has been to ignore those small details and scratch a small itch on their cheek with the middle finger... kind of like Ear Leader. The contempt of Congress hearings should be fun. Maybe Julie will be the first FCC Chairman to be forced from office. Traveller | December 19, 2010 10:28 PM

Part of the Communist manifesto is the control of speech and information and this is but the latest manifestation of a desperate and evil Marxist administration. Hopefully the courts will overturn this blatant attack on our Constitutional freedoms. MrLogical | December 19, 2010 10:27 PM

ovomit could not control internet product asseet - communication tool for persons of any persuasion such as the tea party....ovomit must now attack the foundation of the internet, its easy usage, accessibility, simplicity, and low cost....this is a page straight out of the marxist handbook. skippy777 | December 19, 2010 10:24 PM

Get these communists out of Washington, D.C.! I think it's time for all good patriots to head for the capitol building with ample supplies of tar, feathers and pitchforks. Apparently our politicians aren't going to understand anything else. Sheri | December 19, 2010 10:21 PM

Calling this a "government interference of the internet" is ridiculous. They are LOOSENING the controls. It's like calling a reduction in the Medicare co-pay "GOVERNMENT TAKING OVER MEDICARE." And it has nothing to do with pornography or any other content. It is intended to STOP interference of the internet by companies like Comcast and Verizon. But, by all means, keep DEMANDING to be charged more if that's what you want. Anyone can see that poor Comcast needs more of your money. Jim | December 19, 2010 10:20 PM

You sad sheeple. Quit whining about your freedoms being stripped, you're not worthy of them anyway. Only the strong survive, and you, the reader/whiner, certainly don't fall into that category. ByteRider | December 19, 2010 10:19 PM

ovomit will continue to LEGISLATE LEGISLATE LEGISLATE...he will sidestep the congress whenever he can now that the republicans control the house of representatives. skippy777 | December 19, 2010 10:10 PM

Trust the communist brigade to come up with this outrages plan ,they just cant stand the fact they have lost control over propaganda lies . What a disgrace. gary | December 19, 2010 10:08 PM

Toll access and usage or metered pricing should only be permitted where there more than two providers using the same access media can provide competitive access and at least one does not use a usage or metered pricing plan. Otherwise toll, usage and metered schemes should be banned. This is just more scams by big companies to try and rip people off. If they carry this through to execution any usable access will become monopolized. Just as it has with cable companies. Cable companies should be heavily regulated, as they have a near monopoloy in every market they deploy in. There are no competitive companies using the same access media. Their ability to completely wipe out the independent DVR, Blu-Ray player/recorder markets should be sending alarm bells off, but not a whisper is spoken. Calvin Hobbes | December 19, 2010 10:06 PM

Typical liberal response. If you can't win in the arena of ideas, then just change the rules. JMCCarthy | December 19, 2010 10:05 PM

Support Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2010/12/senator_kay_bailey_hutchison_r.html? wpisrc=nl_tech shawny | December 19, 2010 10:05 PM

God protect us from government intervention where the internet is concerned! Everything they touch turns to buffalo dung and costs exponentially more than than any estimate. As with all things governmental, this is about power (make sure we have none), control (Big Brother is watching)and money (you're rich enough, give some back!)...... Linda | December 19, 2010 10:05 PM

I am so grateful to this nations journalists for printing stories like this. I know you guys get abused left, right, and center, but let me offer my sincerest thanks for telling us. Thersites | December 19, 2010 10:04 PM

Support Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2010/12/senator_kay_bailey_hutchison_r.html? wpisrc=nl_tech shawny | December 19, 2010 10:04 PM

The government can only screw things up, it will not help matters any. Scott-n-Texas | December 19, 2010 9:59 PM

Like what you see? Then keep voting for those libtard Democrats, they make the US Communist party of the 1950's look like conservatives. CP | December 19, 2010 9:57 PM

Can anyone here name one thing that government has tried to fix without screwing it up? Anyone? Anyone? Jasonn | December 19, 2010 9:57 PM

No good communist son of a bitches! that's all it is. alfred | December 19, 2010 9:56 PM

Yeah, you folks are really smart to leave it up to the media and internet provider corporations, who really have your best interests in mind. Good luck! jack | December 19, 2010 9:56 PM

To all the right-wing commenters on here: how is a rule that forces ISPs to treat all content equally going to result in only approved political positions being allowed? I get the feeling none of you actually know what net neutrality is, and are confusing it with the "Fairness Doctrine," which only ever applied to radio... Matt | December 19, 2010 9:56 PM

'hi. i'm from the federal government and i'm here to help you.' riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. fcc wants to get its foot in the door. by the time of the 2012 elections, tea party communication will be shut down. our king ovomit is a marxist and he will not stop until he has been thrown out of office or he has converted this country into a marxist country. skippy777 | December 19, 2010 9:55 PM

I'm so glad we have such a loving and caring government willing to look after us. If it weren't for them, none of us would know how to eat, how not to smoke, how to do anything. It's a wonder this country

survived without Imam Obama for two hundred odd years. Won't it be great when the unwashed masses won't be allowed to criticize the great Imam Barack (Peace be upon him). Big Dave | December 19, 2010 9:53 PM

Instead of a wide open place for free exchange information and ideas, these socialists see the I-net as a threat to their power and something else to tax and regulate. Back off, you nanny control freaks, get used to freedom, its has dangers and rewards - deal with it. Kenny West | December 19, 2010 9:51 PM

There is absolutely nothing we can do about it. We are loosing America. The middle class is being destroyed with jobs overseas and the last open freedom to mankind is about to get destroyed. NOTHING we can do about it. Voting makes NO difference. Jack | December 19, 2010 9:49 PM

Hey, Obama, What can I have for dinner tonight??? What about tomorrow night and the night after? If I need to use Prep-H, can I use that, or do I need to call you first? Well, maybe I need a Fleets enema, so do I ask my husband to help me, or do I ask you? I'm so lost. If I have to take two Tums for indigestion, what could be wrong, maybe I should ask you first. Gee, what if I need more than two Tums, then what do I do? Possibly go see your emergency room doctors because I can't handle it??? Shoot, I have diarrhea tonight, maybe I didn't follow your directions for the recipe that I was making, then added one more ingredient. It's a shame, Obama, I guess that I can't eat correctly without you telling me, but I guess that cooking for over 40 years, well, I just don't know nothing. Please ask your loving wife, Michelle, will you, because I don't know what to do. I can't wipe my rear end, I can't cook, I can't burp, can't f@rt without your help. Sorry, it's the truth! Help me, please! Tiza | December 19, 2010 9:45 PM

This path of being controlled by the "all knowing government" disgusts me. We need to stop this power grab now! Adam Rullo | December 19, 2010 9:41 PM

Can America the republic be saved? Your freedom is going down the drain on a daily basis. Juanita | December 19, 2010 9:36 PM

Dave, You almost hit the nail on the head. The truth is the constitution was dissolved in 1933. Here is the congressional record that proves it. http://www.gemworld.com/USA-Traficant.html Our elected officials only pay lip service to the constitution. Jeff | December 19, 2010 9:32 PM

leave the internet alone if the government changes the internet next election vote them all out of office and all you lazy ass parents out there that dont want your kids to see some things on the internet there is a thing on your pc caller parent control us it to block out what you dont want your kid to see i used it for my kid when she was growing up she is now an adult and has a child of her own and is a very good mother we dont need the government ruling the internet moutainhiker | December 19, 2010 9:31 PM

Gee....Hugo Chavez and Barack Obama both want to control the internet. What could possibly go wrong with this? These people are dangerous....Wake up, America!! charlie1503 | December 19, 2010 9:30 PM

How's that hopey, changey.. er socialism workin for ya? Willy Brown | December 19, 2010 9:27 PM

Comrade Genachowski appears to agree with his communist buddy Chavez of Venezuelan - both are communists and want to control everything Fairwind | December 19, 2010 9:27 PM

"Wireless Carriers endorsed 'begrudgingly'." That is the statement of the century. What about the people? I thought the US gov't was Representative of the people? What citizens demanded this? Perhaps none. So it should be pointed out that the internet is a source of income for many many people in America. And one of the biggest pet peeves of the US Congress is that they cannot tax the business side of the internet. They cannot control it. It is somewhat out of their jurisdiction. So this Net Neutrality is not about public safety. It is about the US gov't shutting down this unencumbered tax-free commerce so they can tax it. Case in point, the only entities seeking net neutrality are the politicians in hot water over spending and over-taxing without any representation. It's not just the US, this is all over Europe as well. How many people will be over-burdened by Net Neutrality? How much personal income will be confiscated? How much liberty will be quelled? The most profound thing about this is that all the democrat liberals who voted in these people, are the ones who will be most hurt by it. These idiot Socialists in the general public are literally their own enemy. deadjournalism | December 19, 2010 9:24 PM

Does this mean that the government will now get all the PORNOGRAPHIC TRASH off the television? The idea that they will "protect children" on the internet, yet fail to "protect children" on the television set is preposterous. THIS IS JUST ANOTHER LIBERAL ATTACK ON THEIR "ENEMIES" BECAUSE THEY CANNOT WIN THE BATTLE OF IDEAS FAIRLY. AMERICANS...WE WILL MEET IN PERSON I GUESS. NO PROBLEM. ROWDY BOOTS Rowdy Boots | December 19, 2010 9:22 PM

I guess this means that only "government approved" ideas will have access. No more arguments over what political philosophy is correct--only peace and quiet. No more arguments over Social Engineering--all Lib Principles will be followed or else. No more worrying about "Rich People" earning too much money--now the internet can make sure there is a limit to how many books Amazon can sell until next year..."ENOUGH IS ENOUGH" OBAMA SAID AND NOW HE CAN HAVE HIS WISH. PIRATE, SUBTERRANEAN INTERNET ANYONE? IT WILL BE ON ITS WAY. I SEE DUMB PEOPLE. ROWDY BOOTS Rowdy Boots | December 19, 2010 9:19 PM

The 2012 election gets more important every time these control freaks implement new laws and rules. The Constitution means nothing to them. Dave | December 19, 2010 9:17 PM

The FCC can kiss my Bill of Rights. Stephen Dunifer http://911essentials.com Aunt Bee | December 19, 2010 9:16 PM

Communists jerks. Sunday night they passed the food safety bill behind our backs, now they not only control our medical they control our food supply as well! beckncall | December 19, 2010 9:03 PM

Looks like the Chavez & Obamma Regimes have the same plans for internet control. Curtis Robinson | December 19, 2010 9:03 PM

Just leave the Internet alone. Parents if you don't want your children seeing something on the net just say 'NO" do not keep coming up with regulations because people can't take responsibility for their kids. Mark my words in 5 years you will pay for Internet usage like we used to in the old days. Ed Maguire | December 19, 2010 8:55 PM

Nothing more than liberal left wing nut jobs trying to get control of something else. I hope the new congress does something about this. Dan | December 19, 2010 8:55 PM

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