The U.S. Federal Communications Commission Wednesday introduced a plan it said would establish open Internet rules for the first time.
"The Commission itself has a duty and an obligation to fulfill -- a duty to address important open proceedings based on the record, and an obligation to be a cop on the beat to protect broadband consumers and foster innovation, investment, and competition. I believe the proposed framework advances this
mission, and that its adoption will provide increased certainty and benefits to the American public," FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a statement released by the commission.
The plan, to be voted on by the full commission Dec. 21, includes three basic points -- Internet users have a right to know basic information about broadband service, such as how networks are being managed; the proposed framework would prohibit blocking lawful content, apps, services and the connection of non-harmful devices to the network, letting consumers go where they want online, say what they want and use the devices of their own choice; and consumers and innovators have a right to a level playing field -- no public or private authority decide which ideas or companies come out on top on the Internet.
The proposal calls for a ban on unreasonable network management but does not specify how much is reasonable. It does state the commission would be the eventual arbiter.
"Reasonable network management is an important part of the proposal, recognizing that what is reasonable will take account of the network
technology and architecture involved.
"The FCC would closely monitor the development of the mobile broadband market and be prepared to step in to further address anti-competitive or
anti-consumer conduct as appropriate," the proposal states.