AT&T's perversion of 'free speech' would let it control the Internet

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[Commentary] AT&T claims that network neutrality regulation will violate its First Amendment rights. What would the right to AT&T/Verizon-style free speech mean? It means the companies that provide Internet access would be free to choose what content moves on the network at what speeds and for how much money. If your company has an app or a service that competes with one of those giants -- too bad. The carriers' claim of free speech says you have no right to route that app or service through AT&T's or Verizon's network. (Never mind your free speech rights, of course.) Perhaps AT&T will next follow Comcast's lead and decide to tell you what devices your company can attach to the network. You may find your thin clients, VPN-equipped PCs, VoIP devices, or iPads one day disallowed ostensibly because they cause harm but in reality because their use isn't to AT&T's own financial benefit.


AT&T's perversion of 'free speech' would let it control the Internet