Beyond Network Neutrality Lies Internet Freedom

BEYOND NET NEUTRALITY LIES INTERNET FREEDOM
[SOURCE: TomPaine.com, AUTHOR: Ben Scott, Free Press]
[Commentary] Once Network Neutrality is back on the books, we can set our sights higher than protecting the free and open network we've always had. We can start pushing for the big goal: universal access to a world-class broadband network at affordable prices. We need a national broadband policy, not a series of laws designed to prop up the business models of incumbent telephone and cable companies. We want to make the information superhighway a public good, to bring the transformative spirit of free speech and free markets to every community. The organizers of the SavetheInternet.com Coalition recently unveiled the "Internet Freedom Declaration" to pursue these goals. This is an uphill fight, but the new Congress has leaders in key positions that favor an expansive, public interest broadband policy. Throughout the early months of 2007, we should expect House and Senate Commerce Committees to conduct a series of hearings to determine the best paths for bringing a bigger, better, more affordable Internet to the American public. For once, the lawyers of the largest corporations won't be the only voices at the table. We'll see scholars, consumer representatives, unions and entrepreneurs who can give testimony about why we need a universal broadband to super-charge our economy and enhance social opportunity.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2007/01/25/beyond_net_neutrality_lies_i...