FCC Net Neutrality Rules

Well, the FCC issued its ruling on net neutrality virtually guaranteeing that we’ll be watching this battle for the foreseeable future.  That’s what I love about US politics.  It’s more entertaining than most things on TV.

The Obama Administration’s Take

Not surprisingly, the administration weighed in and hailed a new, bright future.  Unicorns and Leprechauns will dance in the meadows and all of the terrible diseases plaguing mankind will be cured!  An end to hunger, crime, poverty and cancellation of Jersey Shore!  In other words, a golden Era.

Ok, here’s what President Obama really said…

“Today’s decision will help preserve the free and open nature of the Internet while encouraging innovation, protecting consumer choice, and defending free speech. Throughout this process, parties on all sides of this issue – from consumer groups to technology companies to broadband providers – came together to make their voices heard. This decision is an important component of our overall strategy to advance American innovation, economic growth, and job creation.

As a candidate for President, I pledged to preserve the freedom and openness that have allowed the Internet to become a transformative and powerful platform for speech and expression. That’s a pledge I’ll continue to keep as President. As technology and the market continue to evolve at a rapid pace, my Administration will remain vigilant and see to it that innovation is allowed to flourish, that consumers are protected from abuse, and that the democratic spirit of the Internet remains intact.

I congratulate the FCC, its Chairman, Julius Genachowski, and Congressman Henry Waxman for their work achieving this important goal today.”

And the GOP?

Shockingly there was a contrary point of view.  According to the Republicans, this ruling will pollute the water supply causing mutations in the human race leading to the Zombie Apocalypse.  Afterward, we will be enslaved by intelligent life from outer space who discover the Voyager probe, which violated intergalactic rules on the disposal of hazardous substances, and controlled by brain parasites.  Oh, and Jersey Shore will be the only thing on TV.

Ok, maybe also an exaggeration.  Here’s what Senator Upton (new Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee) really said…although the Zombie Apocalypse thing would be more interesting…

“The FCC’s hostile actions toward innovation, investment and job creation cannot be allowed to stand.  We must use every resource available, including the Congressional Review Act, to strike down the FCC’s brazen effort to regulate the Internet.  Today’s vote is a sad commentary that this administration and the FCC continue to ignore the will of the American people – our new majority is committed to protecting personal liberty and reducing the size and scope of the government.  Despite FCC claims that these are just rules of the road that everyone agrees with, anyone can recognize that what the Commission claims to be statements of broad industry support are really cries of ‘uncle’ resulting from threats of even more onerous regulation. All the Commission has done today is further harm our economy and job growth.”

It’s gonna be a long battle…

Sadly, there are valid arguments on both sides as always.  Too much regulation can stifle small business.  Too little can lead to bank meltdowns.  A completely free Internet can be anti-consumer.  A tiered internet can create high barriers to entry for tech start-ups delivering content.  On and on it goes.  The creepiest thing from my perspective is contemplating that wired and wireless Internet access will be treated differently.

So, go educate yourselves, pick a stance, and write your elected official.  Then watch Jersey Shore until it’s all over.  I tried very hard to find some balanced references to get up to speed.  Sadly, everything out there is strongly pro or strongly anti, but if I find something I’ll post it.  I suggest you Google away and draw your own conclusions, but for the entertainment value, here are three videos highlighting the various views on this issue.

The anti Net Neutrality stance…

And the pro Net Neutrality Stance…

And most importantly, The Daily Show take…

I think I’ll go with RocketBoom’s interpretation because Amanda Congdon is cuter than most telco execs.

UPDATE: Good old PBS has a relatively balanced description:

http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2008/04/your-guide-to-net-neutrality107.html

I’m still going with Amanda though…

Thanks much to symbi for the Dummy’s graphic (distributed under CC Attribution/Share Alike).