A couple of weeks ago, Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Al Franken (D-MN) introduced SB 74, the Internet Freedom, Broadband Promotion, and Consumer Protection Act of 2011.
Due to attempts by internet service provides to auction off speedy internet access to the highest-bidding mega-corporations, the FCC recently issued new rules that did a poor job of addressing these issues, and which left wireless access up to the total discretion of ISPs and what their biggest customers were willing to pay.
Senators Cantwell and Franken recognized the dangers involved, and introduced this bill to “ensure [that] the broadband Internet continues to serve as a source of innovation, free speech, and job growth”.
SB 74 prohibits broadband operators from requiring content, service, or application providers from paying for prioritized delivery of their Internet Protocol (IP) packets, also known as “pay-for priority”, and further calls for broadband providers to work with local, middle-mile providers on fair and reasonable terms and network management conditions. Perhaps most importantly, these obligations apply to all broadband Internet platforms, both wired and wireless.
Support of this bill is essential to protecting equal access to the internet. Tell your Senators you support the Internet Freedom, Broadband Promotion, and Consumer Protection Act of 2011 and that you expect their support for the bill.
