FCC Passes Net Neutrality

NET NEUTRALITY PASSED: The FCC, as expected, passed the Net Neutrality rules by a tally of 3-2, which ensures unimpeded access to any legal web content for home Internet users. The vote was held this morning in an Open Agenda Meeting following the presentation, “Preserving the Open Internet.” The rules were supported by Chairman Julius Genachowski, though the other four members split, with the two Democrats in favor and two Republicians against. The latter two showed support for ISPs who say the regulation will impede their ability to create new business plans that expand their roles over the Internet economy. In arguing for the measure, Commissioner Michael J. Copps said, though he wanted it stronger, he hopes wired and wireless broadband would operate under the same rules. Robert McDowell, one of two to vote thumbs down, insisted, “The FCC is not Congress. We cannot make laws.” (12/21p)