Sen. Dorgan, Snowe introduce Net Neutrality Legislation

Hot off the presses at FreePress.net we learn that Senators Dorgan and Snowe have introduced something they are calling the Internet Freedom Preservation Act which effectively codifies Net Neutrality.

U.S. Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) introduced legislation Tuesday that would ensure that Internet use – by consumers, content providers, and businesses — remains free from interference by broadband service providers.

The legislation, known as the Internet Freedom Preservation Act, would ensure that broadband service providers do not discriminate against Internet content, applications or services by offering preferential treatment. Some broadband providers have discussed plans to start acting like a gatekeeper on the previously open World Wide Web, capable of deciding which content can get through to consumers, and which content providers could get special deals, faster speeds, and better access to the consumer.

The article ends with this:

Under the legislation, broadband service providers must operate the network in a nondiscriminatory manner, but would remain free to manage the network to protect the security of the network or offer different levels of broadband connection to users. They must also offer consumers the option of purchasing a "stand alone" broadband connection that is not bundled with cable, phone or Voice Over Internet Phone (VoIP) service.

Dorgan and Snowe offered similar legislation, which generated nearly one million letters and e-mails of support, in the previous Congress. The senators believed they had the votes to pass that legislation, but Senate leaders would not allow it to come to a vote.

In addition to Dorgan and Snowe, co-sponsors include Senators John Kerry (D-MA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Hillary Clinton (D-NY), and Barack Obama (D-IL).

That's why it is so damn nice to have a Democratic Congress - the people get what they want.  Tossing a bone in there for VoIP is a pretty nice deal too.

Note also the 3 possible presidential candidates in the list of co-sponsors.

Here's to dumping enormous volumes of material, enormous volumes of material into the tubes. :)