Hill leaders plot game plan for network neutrality rules

Republican leaders of the House and Senate Commerce Committees eyeing new network neutrality legislation are narrowing their focus. They will hold separate hearings on new Web rules within hours of each other on Wednesday, Jan. 21, and unveiled new details about the proposals they are considering.

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) outlined 11 principles that he said should form the “foundation” of a new bipartisan law, as Congress seeks to preempt the Federal Communications Commission from reclassifying broadband Internet service so that it can be treated like a utility. The 11 principles for bipartisan rules in the Internet Age:

1. Prohibit blocking
2. Prohibit throttling
3. Prohibit paid prioritization
4. Require transparency
5. Apply rules to both wireline and wireless
6. Allow for reasonable network management
7. Allow for specialized services
8. Protect consumer choice
9. Classify broadband Internet access as an information service under the Communications Act
10. Clarify that Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act may not be used as a grant of regulatory authority
11. Direct the FCC to enforce and abide by these principles