Kerry Backs Genachowski Net Neutrality Framework

After FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski laid out a new proposal for net neutrality, many parties spoke out in support of the Chairman's framework to protect the openness of the Internet. Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), Chairman of the Senate Communications Subcommittee, is the latest voice to encourage the FCC to implement the proposal.

Kerry applauded the FCC's net neutrality stance, which strengthens consumer protections in the new online media environment. In a press release, Kerry noted:

Our Committee has been plugging away at this issue for the better part of a year, and there is broad agreement that there's got to be a better answer than to again and again have consumers become collateral damage in the contract collisions between major corporate entities. I'm happy to hear that the FCC will initiate a rulemaking process to address the now all too frequent disruptions that consumers have experienced.

The Massachusetts Senator further endorsed Genachowski's proposal with a letter to FCC Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Michael Copps urging them to vote yes on the measure. Some remain critical that the proposal is still not strong enough, but Kerry cautioned the Commissioners to accept the compromise:

Some advocates for what we consider to be 'the perfect' are now urging you to fight and vote against 'the good.' I would argue that is shortsighted.

Had he been given a vote, Kerry says he "would ultimately vote in favor," and encourages the Commissioners to do likewise.

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