CWA Endorses Arrival of Net Neutrality Rules

Despite vehement opposition from congressional Republicans and some telcos, the FCC Net Neutrality rules go into effect on November 20. The rules, adopted in December, 2010, limit internet providers from favoring or discriminating against traffic that travels through their networks.

According to the new rules, internet service providers would not able to favor specific internet content or prevent consumers from accessing a competitor's website.

For example, the regulations allow the FCC to impose fines and bring injunctions against companies that slow down internet service for customers who are streaming movies or downloading music."

Consumer rights groups generally applauded the move, although some protested that the rules didn't go far enough, or were difficult to enforce. The Communications Workers of America has supported the rules since they were announced. In a December  2010 press release, CWA made it clear that:

"CWA and other organizations in the progressive community, including national civil rights, environmental and labor groups, have called for action to implement the FCC's principles of net neutrality: free speech, no blocking, no unjust or unreasonable discrimination and transparency."

Republican and industry opposition is expected to continue after the November date. In fact, "Verizon is expected to mount a court challenge, and Congressional Republicans have pledged to overturn the rules." Republicans painted the rules in the darkest possible shades. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, (R-TN) complained, "This is just more bureaucratic overregulation that will discourage innovation, hurt competition, and serve as a job-killer for the industry. The FCC is in essence building an Internet Iron Curtain that will restrict more of our freedom."

As CWA said in 2010, and as it continues to stress:

"The buildout of true 21st century broadband networks has been stalled over the net neutrality debate; it's critical that we end the gridlock and shift our focus to the investment that will allow the United States to catch up with the rest of the world.

"The lack of high speed broadband has real implications for our country's economic growth, for residents in rural areas and urban communities who are encountering a widening digital divide and for communities who have no way to compete without high speed broadband."

FCC Makes Its Net Neutrality Rules Official (Reuters)

FCC Chairman's Initiative on Open Internet Will Jumpstart Broadband Buildout (CWA press release)