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US proposes net neutrality rules | US proposes net neutrality rules |
(about 5 hours later) | |
The US has proposed new rules that would require internet firms to respect the principle of "network neutrality". | The US has proposed new rules that would require internet firms to respect the principle of "network neutrality". |
The head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said that "all web traffic should be treated equally". | |
The new rules are intended to prevent firms throttling bandwidth-sapping web traffic such as streaming video. | The new rules are intended to prevent firms throttling bandwidth-sapping web traffic such as streaming video. |
Networks on both sides of the Atlantic have long argued for a two-tier system, where those that can pay are given priority over those that cannot. | Networks on both sides of the Atlantic have long argued for a two-tier system, where those that can pay are given priority over those that cannot. |
"There are few goals more essential in the communications landscape than preserving and maintaining an open and robust internet," FCC chairman Julius Genachowski said in a speech at the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank. | "There are few goals more essential in the communications landscape than preserving and maintaining an open and robust internet," FCC chairman Julius Genachowski said in a speech at the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank. |
"It is vital that the internet continue to be an engine of innovation, economic growth, competition and democratic engagement." | "It is vital that the internet continue to be an engine of innovation, economic growth, competition and democratic engagement." |
It is the first time that the Chairman has spoken out on the issue since being appointed in June. | It is the first time that the Chairman has spoken out on the issue since being appointed in June. |
'Extraordinary platform' | 'Extraordinary platform' |
He proposed two new rules to guide the FCC's approach to network neutrality. | He proposed two new rules to guide the FCC's approach to network neutrality. |
The first would prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from discriminating against bandwidth-intensive web-content and applications by slowing or blocking it. | The first would prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from discriminating against bandwidth-intensive web-content and applications by slowing or blocking it. |
"They cannot block or degrade lawful traffic over their networks, or pick winners by favouring some content or applications over others in the connection to subscribers' homes," he said. | "They cannot block or degrade lawful traffic over their networks, or pick winners by favouring some content or applications over others in the connection to subscribers' homes," he said. |
"Nor can they disfavor an Internet service just because it competes with a similar service offered by that broadband provider." | "Nor can they disfavor an Internet service just because it competes with a similar service offered by that broadband provider." |
The second would mean that ISPs would have to be more transparent about how they manage network traffic. | The second would mean that ISPs would have to be more transparent about how they manage network traffic. |
The two new rules join four previous guiding principles of the FCC, which state that all consumers must be able to access "lawful" content, applications, and services, and attach non-harmful devices to the network. | The two new rules join four previous guiding principles of the FCC, which state that all consumers must be able to access "lawful" content, applications, and services, and attach non-harmful devices to the network. |
"I believe the FCC must be a smart cop on the beat preserving a free and open internet," Mr Genachowski said. | "I believe the FCC must be a smart cop on the beat preserving a free and open internet," Mr Genachowski said. |
"This is not about government regulation of the internet," he added. "It's about fair rules of the road for companies that control access to the internet." | "This is not about government regulation of the internet," he added. "It's about fair rules of the road for companies that control access to the internet." |
President Barack Obama backed the concept of network neutrality in the presidential race. It also has the support of large companies such as Google, eBay and Amazon. | President Barack Obama backed the concept of network neutrality in the presidential race. It also has the support of large companies such as Google, eBay and Amazon. |
However, telecommunications firms on both sides of the Atlantic argue that carrying high-bandwidth content, such as video, puts an extra burden on their networks and costs them money. | However, telecommunications firms on both sides of the Atlantic argue that carrying high-bandwidth content, such as video, puts an extra burden on their networks and costs them money. |
They argue the cost should, in part, be borne by the websites or the consumers. | They argue the cost should, in part, be borne by the websites or the consumers. |
The new rules will be formally proposed at a meeting in October. | The new rules will be formally proposed at a meeting in October. |