Internet freedom

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.

In 2005 the Federal Communications Commission enacted so-called “network neutrality” regulations to keep Internet providers from limiting users’ access to sites and charging more for users who did things such as download large files.

The FCC acted in response to the complaints of users, who said telecommunications companies were acting as gatekeepers of the Internet, and fattening their bottom lines in the process by charging more for “premium” access.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski on Monday said he wants to expand the network neutrality regulations to include wireless companies that are providing Internet services for cell phones, laptop computers and other portable devices.

“Even though each form of Internet access has unique technical characteristics, they are all different roads to the same place,” Genachowski said. “It is essential that the Internet itself remain open, however users reach it.”

Genachowski will likely face strong opposition. Wireless companies immediately grumbled about the plan. AT&T, for example, bans access to file-sharing programs. The wireless companies were joined by mainline Internet service providers, who have been upset about the existing rules.

The FCC is fighting a lawsuit by cable company Comcast, which was sanctioned by the commission for hindering users from accessing some file-share programs. Comcast claims that the commission has no business telling it how to run its network. Comcast’s real concern is its profit margin. By being able to block access, it can keep users from watching TV over the Internet, presumably protecting Comcast’s cable business.

The real bottom line, however, should be to keep the Internet open. Internet service providers should be allowed to charge a fair price for their services, but they shouldn’t be allowed to restrict access and manipulate the rules so they can make a bigger profit.

Genachowski has taken a good step by trying to expand the neutrality regulations. Since its founding, the ethos of the Internet is that once people are online, they should have unfettered access to surf the Web. That should be protected.