The following statement is attributed to Gigi B. Sohn, president and co-founder of Public Knowledge:
“The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today took a bold step to protect the rights of Internet users, while punishing the unacceptable behavior of Comcast.
“Comcast’s throttling of legal Internet traffic had nothing to do with network management as the company claims. It had everything to do with a big company trying to exert its power over a captive Internet market.
“We commend FCC Chairman Kevin Martin for his leadership, and Commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein for recognizing that action needed to be taken. It is unfortunate that the other commissioners did not recognize that there are times when government must step in to preserve the public interest, particularly in such an instance when Comcast’s behavior was clearly outside the boundaries of acceptable practice. Simple disclosure policies or consumer education is simply not sufficient.
“We also endorse Commissioner Copps’ call for a fifth FCC Internet principle – preserving non-discrimination. We have consistently called for such a policy and believe it would be a good addition to the FCC’s view of the Internet.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.