[Chapter-delegates] FCC Action on the Open Internet

[Sally Wentworth]

After many months of deliberation, the FCC issued rules today in its Open Internet proceeding.  The formal rules have not yet been posted but a summary is available at:

 http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-303745A1.doc

Consistent with our user centric principles and our approach to Open Inter-networking /  Net Neutrality, below is an initial Internet Society reaction to the FCC action:

"In the United States, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) issued important rules today that the Internet Society hopes will advance the open Internet in the U.S.   The Internet Society agrees with the FCC that the success of the Internet as a global medium for communication and innovation is derived from the principles of openness and transparency that have guided its development from the beginning.

For the open Internet to thrive, Internet service providers must provide connectivity to the global Internet without regard to the destination, source or content of subscriber traffic.   As such, we are encouraged that steps are being taken in the U.S. to ensure that users can continue to access the legal Internet content, applications and services of their choosing.  The Internet Society believes that this principle should apply regardless of the Internet access technology – wireline or wireless.


The Internet Society also believes that meaningful transparency, enhanced user choice, and unimpeded access to content and applications are essential if users are to remain in control of their Internet experience, thus empowering them to benefit from and participate in the open Internet. 

Today’s decision by the FCC will not end the debate over these difficult and fundamental issues for the future of the Internet.  The Internet Society understands that there is no one-size-fits-all policy approach that will apply to every country, but we are hopeful that this decision provides a path to safeguard the open Internet in the U.S.  It is vital to preserve the basic design principles that have contributed to the Internet’s growth and its potential for innovation."
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