The following statement is attributed to Gigi B. Sohn, president and
co-founder of Public Knowledge:
“FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski struck exactly the right balance
this morning when he announced a plan to require a free and open
Internet. Bringing in the four existing principles, while adding the two
new ones of non-discrimination and transparency to both wireline and
wireless Internet access, will ensure that the genius of the Internet
will continue into the future. This was a key point of President
Obama’s campaign platform, and we are pleased to see it put into
motion today.
“Consumers and communications companies will benefit from this
policy proposal. Returning the Internet to its open, non-discriminatory
character under the law opens up once again the greatest engine for
economic growth, democracy and expression that we have ever seen.
“The chairman’s proposals for additional transparency in how
companies manage their traffic, coupled with new rules prohibiting big
telephone and cable companies from discriminating against some services
in favor of others will go a long way to freeing investment not only in
the network but also in new services and features.
“If you favor economic growth and an open, vibrant Internet, there
is no reason to oppose this idea. This is not heavy-handed government
regulation. As the chairman said, his proposal is just the opposite. It
lifts the heavy hands of private-sector regulation in favor of openness
and freedom”
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.