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Broadband bill , net neutrality, freedom to connect

As Congress considers new telecom policy, Internet companies are pushing for regulation of broadband operators to enforce network neutrality, described by Declan McCullagh at News.com as "he idea that the companies that own the broadband pipes may not be able to configure their networks in a way that plays favorites--allowing them, for example, to transmit their own services at faster speeds, or to charge Net content and application companies a fee for similar fast delivery." The bill's author, Rep. Joe Barton of Texas, is taking direction from the network operators (AT&T, Comcast, Time Warner and Verizon Communications), who've been more effective in buying lobbying politicians, outspending Internet companies 3-1. [Link] [Link to more background from Declan's Politech email list.]

David Isenberg has managed to schedule his second annual "Freedom to Connect" conference at a crucial time. I'll be there; you should be there, too.

The future of telecommunications starts now; there's a new U.S. Telecom Bill
in the works, there's new networks in Europe, fast fiber in Asia, wireless across Africa and networks a-building in cities and villages around the world. Join the discussion. Shape the debate. Assert your F2C:Freedom to Connect.

The need to communicate is primary, like the need to breathe, eat, sleep, reproduce, socialize and learn. Better connections make for better communication. Better connections drive economic growth through better access to suppliers, customers and ideas. Better connections provide for development and testing of ideas in science and the arts. Better connections improve the quality of everyday life. Better connections build stronger democracies. Strong democracies build strong networks.

jon posted this at 8:36 AM
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