INTERNET PROVIDERS CRITICIZE PROPOSED NET NEUTRALITY

Tert
Sept 22 2009
Armenia

US proposals to ensure that all traffic on the internet is treated
equally have drawn strong criticism from providers, reports technology
reporter Maggie Shiels of BBC News.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants rules to
prevent providers blocking or slowing down bandwidth-heavy usage such
as streaming video.

Providers claim a two-tiered system is essential for the future
vitality of the net. But many consumer groups argue that so-called
net neutrality is at the very heart of what the web is about.

"This is a tremendous day for millions of us who have been clamouring
to keep the internet free from discrimination," said John Silver,
executive director of advocacy group Free Press.

FCC Chair Julius Genachowski said the increasing number of people
who went online using their mobile phones could not be ignored.

"The revolution in wireless technologies and the creation of
path-breaking devices like the Blackberry and iPhone have enabled
millions of us to carry the internet in our pockets and purses."

The FCC’s proposals are meant to ensure that internet service providers
cannot block or slow down traffic, such as bandwidth-hogging video
downloads. Operators must also be transparent about network management,
it said.

"This is about fair rules of the road for companies that control
access to the internet," said Genachowski.