FCC Chair Says Net is Neutral Enough; No New Legislation Needed
Concerns about potential interference by major Internet service providers with free and equal access by all Web surfers aren’t severe enough to require legislation at this time, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission told the Senate Commerce Committee yesterday.
But such concerns are nonetheless heating up, the Associated Press reports.
“The idea of your site succeeding or failing based upon whether or not you paid the telecom companies enough to carry your material or allow quick access is appalling,” television actress Justine Bateman, who recently became involved in a new media venture, told the committee.
Commission Chairman Kevin Martin testified that a 2005 FCC Internet Policy Statement gives the commission ample authority to enforce anti-discrimination rules and protect consumers.
Additional coverage:
Bit Player (Los Angeles Times): “Hollywood’s Love-Hate Relationship With Technology”
MediaChannel: “Senate Net Neutrality Hearing Recap”
