FCC Chair is All About Net Neutrality

Those who backed Barack Obama for his support of net neutrality are getting what they voted for, as the Federal Communications Chairman he appointed has announced a pair of rules to treat all Internet traffic equally. The so-called “Fifth Principle of Non-Discrimination,” announced by FCC chairman Julius Genachowski, states that broadband providers can’t discriminate against certain kinds of Internet connections or uses. The “Sixth Principle of Transparency” dictates that Internet service providers must disclose how they manage their networks. In an added twist, wireless service providers, such as Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and Sprint Nextel, will be subject to the rules, should they be approved. The decision will go to a vote by the five-member FCC in October, with much kicking and screaming by telecoms and cable companies along the way. [via Wall Street Journal and OpenInternet.gov]