Net Neutrality Bill Introduced in House

Congressman Jay Inslee, along with colleagues Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Rick Boucher (D-Va.), introduced a bill in the House that would ban phone and cable companies from charging Web sites for faster data transmission, or blocking their online competitors’ content and services.

"The free and open architecture of the internet is a primary reason for its explosive growth and innovation.  We cannot allow an internet where content is controlled by telecommunications companies," Inslee said.

Inslee and his colleagues on the bill twice offered it as an amendment to the telecom bill which is currently being revised, but lost both votes in committee. 

Without net-neutrality legislation, internet service providers could decide to charge content providers to ensure fast data transmission.  This could lead to a tiered internet where content providers who don't pay up would find their access to consumers handicapped.  ISPs could also promote their own services, such as VOIP, by ensuring faster transmission than competitors.

"The fundamental nature of the internet is at risk, and I believe this is a battle worth fighting," Inslee said.

You can download the text of the bill here.