Compromise on Net Neutrality Introduced

It's been interesting watching the showdown between the Internet Titans and the Telco Titans over net neutrality in Washington D.C. The telcos and MSOs have held the upper hand not least of which because their other hand has been stuffing the pockets of politicians for decades, not just years like the Internet companies. Most of the expert communication lobbyists in D.C. have already been bought up by the Telcos, and the ones who haven't are too afraid of lobbying on the behalf of internet companies out of fear they will be punished by the loss of future business. Business Week does a good job of describing the situation on the ground. The Internet companies' inexperience in the ways of Washington is underscored by Sergey Brin's feeble attempt to directly lobby lawmakers clad in jeans and sneakers: a rookie move if there ever was one. No doubt the internet companies will become more sophisticated in their lobbying efforts, and lets hope sooner rather than later, but until then, a compromise is needed. Fortunately, a compromise may happen soon that will enable legislation to be passed this year.

Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska has amended his proposed bill that includes language preserving consumers' ability to surf anywhere on the public Internet. According to Reuters:

Stevens' compromise would also create a complaint process through the FCC if consumers believe their access rights were violated and the agency would be authorized to adjudicate complaints with penalties, according to the draft. However, the FCC would be barred from issuing any regulations under the new law that would add to the obligations on Internet service providers.

You can read more about the story from C|Net here.