
Originally Posted by
banned
I just got an email about that Net Neutrality thing that was being discussed a while back.
"Dear (Name),
Thank you for your interest in telecommunications regulations, specifically
“Internet Neutrality”, often referred to as Net Neutrality. Now that we have
entered the 110th Congress, I would like to update you as to the status of this
issue. Thank you for your patience for this update.
As you may know, there are many different aspects that make up the Net
Neutrality issue and debate. When Congress considers Net Neutrality, however,
the debate focuses on the ability of all consumers to access Internet content
and run the applications and devices of their choice. The principle of Net
Neutrality guarantees that the consumer would have access to all websites and
search engines on an equal basis. The consumer would still decide which
Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Internet access speed, such as dial-up or
broadband, to use and pay for, but the ISP would not be able to give special
preference to certain websites over others, regardless of which service the
consumer chooses.
In addition to Net Neutrality, general telecommunications reform came before the
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which I do not sit on,
in the 109th Congress. The Committee considered these issues, but they were
never brought to the Senate floor for debate. It is very likely that these
unresolved issues will continue to be debated throughout the 110th Congress.
I support the long-standing principles of open access to the Internet and
believe that access to the Internet is vital to education, communications, and
economic growth. In addition, I support efforts that would increase innovation
and competition when it comes to telecom and Internet services, as well as
efforts to bring broadband to more Americans. I also believe that a primary
reason the Internet has prospered is because government has not unnecessarily
imposed in its operations, and that Congress must be extremely cautious in
legislating on the Internet.
Rest assured, I will continue to work to ensure that consumers have open and
fair access to the Internet during the 110th Congress. I will be sure to keep
your views in mind as Congress deals with Net Neutrality and other telecom
issues. Thank you again for your interest in this issue.
Sincerely,
Patty Murray
United States Senator"