Markey, co-author of net neutrality legislation, calls for free and open Internet

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), co-author of legislation that would establish national broadband policy and ensure an open and consumer-oriented Internet, today praised FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's announcement of a plan to establish new rules setting forth a national net neutrality policy.

"I commend Chairman Genachowski’s announcement that he intends to circulate proposed rules to establish openness, transparency and non-discrimination as guiding Internet principles in the near future,” said Markey. “This is a significant step towards preserving the free and open nature that has enabled the Internet to become a platform for innovation, job-creation and economic growth. I hope the full Commission follows Chairman Genachowski’s lead in this vital effort.

“Rules put forward by the Commission in this area would be a key complement to the bill that Chairman Waxman, Congresswoman Eshoo and I are advancing to codify these vital protections for consumers and innovators, and I look forward to working with the Commission and my colleagues in the weeks and months ahead. The Internet is a tool of commerce, a tool of democracy, and a tool of daily life.  In the same way that our communications networks have been guided by nondiscrimination for decades, this generation’s communications networks should operate in the same transparent and nondiscriminatory environment.”

Reps. Markey and Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.) introduced a bill in July 2009 -- the Internet Freedom Preservation Act (H.R. 3458) -- designed to assess and promote Internet freedom for consumers and content providers. Last week, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) joined as a cosponsor of the bill.