Background: Earlier today, the staff of the House Energy and Commerce Committee released draft telecommunications legislation.
The following is attributed to Gigi B. Sohn, president of Public Knowledge:
“We are pleased that the Committee draft included language recognizing the importance of keeping the Internet open to all consumers. However, we do not believe that the draft bill goes far enough. The provisions will not stop the cable and telephone companies from degrading Internet traffic and they do not contain strong enough penalties to discourage misbehavior. Without stronger legislation, the cable and telephone companies will have the power to change the fundamental nature of the Internet. This bill needs significant improvement before it will preserve the open Internet that consumers and service providers expect and deserve.”
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.