Paying a High Price for Web Freedom

[Commentary] It is hard to argue with the attractiveness of a "free and open Internet," as described Monday by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski. But the Internet isn't free to build. Companies need to believe they can earn a decent return to keep investing in Web infrastructure. Wireless carriers may suffer more than wire-line broadband providers if Mr. Genachowski has his way, for two reasons. Wireless capacity is limited, although carriers are spending heavily to expand it. Genachowski's suggestions would squeeze the carriers from both directions. First, removing limits on "lawful traffic" -- presumably including file-sharing activities that carriers like AT&T restrict -- would increase strain on wireless networks. Chairman Genachowski also would prevent providers blocking Internet services that compete with their own services.