Obama's tech aide reaffirms net-neutrality support

The Obama administration made clear again last week that it has no intention of backing away from its support of curbing the powers of Internet providers to exercise undue control of the web content available to consumers. Aneesh Chopra, President Obama's chief technology officer, said the administration stands behind the concept of net neutrality, and will propose rules in the near future, the Washington Post reported last week.

"At a 100,000-foot view, we are committed to the notion that there should be essentially a level playing field for entrepreneurs and big firms to ride our nation's infrastructure to compete with those applications that we think will deliver value," Chopra said.

Federal Communications Commission chairman Julius Genachowski has proposed starting the rule-making process, but so far nothing has been drafted, Chopra said. Genachowski has said new regulations would ensure that consumers get access to any legal content on the web, regardless of whether it originates with network owners or a third-party entrepreneur.

There is a contentious debate over net-neutrality regulations, with some lawmakers arguing that curbing the ability of Internet providers to manage their networks and services could scare off investment in telecommunications.

Some providers have sought to restrict or regulate the flow of streaming video or other applications that put a strain on their networks. And these Internet providers--such as Comcast, Verizon and AT&T--would like to charge companies that offer entertainment or certain types of goods and services extra fees for offering faster connections. Many consumer groups see this as restricting commerce and limiting access.

Last week, 72 Democratic members of Congress sent a letter to Genachowski urging him to proceed cautiously. They argued that broadband networks have expanded through competition and private investment, and the new rules could inhibit growth and be harmful. In addition, the FCC has received letters from 18 Republican senators protesting more web regulation.

For more on net neutrality:
- see this Washington Post article

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