Jeff Bennett's Blog

Network Neutrality — or “Net Neutrality” for short — is the guiding principle that preserves the free and open Internet. Put simply, Net Neutrality means no discrimination. Net Neutrality prevents Internet providers from blocking, speeding up or slowing down Web content based on its source, ownership or destination. Check out Net Neutrality 101.

Net Neutrality is the reason why the Internet has driven economic innovation, democratic participation, and free speech online. It protects the consumer’s right to use any equipment, content, application or service on a non-discriminatory basis without interference from the network provider. With Net Neutrality, the network’s only job is to move data — not choose which data to privilege with higher quality service.

Net Neutrality was an important plank in the platform of President-elect Obama’s campaign. It is good to see that Obama’s transition team is embracing this as a key element of his upcoming Adminstration’s technology plan. It is also good to see other Washington power brokers supporting this. It seems that some companies such as AT&Tare not shifting their positions or at least are hedging at this in public forums.

Net Neutrality is critical and if it was on the table back when our Founding Fathers were writing the Constitution it would have been right up there with freedom of speech and right to bear arms. Looks like Net Neutrality has momentum and will be on deck in Washington, DC. We must watch the developments closely and push our representatives to address this key topic appropriately.