Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) says that he can't support any approach to network neutrality that allows for paid priority.
That came in a field hearing on the issue held at the University of Vermont in Burlington.
He said from the outset that he can't endorse any approach to rules that do otherwise than ban pay for play.
Witness Michael Copps, former FCC chair and now an advisor to Common Cause, said that the FCC made a mistake by not classifying Internet access under common carrier regs and that the only way to prevent paid priority and protect an open Internet is to reclassify it under that Title II common carrier regime.
Leahy said the reason he was holding the hearing in his home state was that many could not participate in the debate by going to Washington, but that it was critical that their voices be heard given the potential impact of network neutrality on Vermont and its economy. "And your voices will be heard," he said.
"The outcome of the debate is going to have a huge effect on small businesses, community institutions and consumers, so it is crucial that we get this right," he said. Leahy said he did not want to see an Internet where "those who can afford to pay can muffle the voices of those who cannot."
Leahy last month introduced a bill with Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) that would ban paid priority. He put in a plug for that bill, which drew plaudits from Copps and other witnesses.
Copps hammered on consolidation and fast and slow lanes, warning that the Internet was becoming the playground of the privileged few. It is decision time, he said.
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That came in a field hearing on the issue held at the University of Vermont in Burlington.
He said from the outset that he can't endorse any approach to rules that do otherwise than ban pay for play.
Witness Michael Copps, former FCC chair and now an advisor to Common Cause, said that the FCC made a mistake by not classifying Internet access under common carrier regs and that the only way to prevent paid priority and protect an open Internet is to reclassify it under that Title II common carrier regime.
Leahy said the reason he was holding the hearing in his home state was that many could not participate in the debate by going to Washington, but that it was critical that their voices be heard given the potential impact of network neutrality on Vermont and its economy. "And your voices will be heard," he said.
"The outcome of the debate is going to have a huge effect on small businesses, community institutions and consumers, so it is crucial that we get this right," he said. Leahy said he did not want to see an Internet where "those who can afford to pay can muffle the voices of those who cannot."
Leahy last month introduced a bill with Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) that would ban paid priority. He put in a plug for that bill, which drew plaudits from Copps and other witnesses.
Copps hammered on consolidation and fast and slow lanes, warning that the Internet was becoming the playground of the privileged few. It is decision time, he said.
broadcastingcable.com
