"Net Neutrality"?

Sean brought up "net neutrality" over at TAM, so I thought I'd post this email I received a few days ago. (This one is, fortunately, not anywhere near as bad as this one.)

Pardon the mass email, but I just wanted to let everyone know about our new nonpartisan coalition fighting to keep free speech and economic innovation on the Internet. After you read the below statement, let me know if you are interested in joining and we will add you to the Wisconsin Coalition for Net Neutrality website. We are also open to allowing others to be bloggers on the WCfNN site at http://wcfnn.blogspot.com/:

A group of bloggers in Wisconsin are stepping up to form a statewide coalition to defend Network Neutrality - a.k.a. the Internet's First Amendment. Net Neutrality makes sure networks are only used for the purpose of moving data around on the internet - essentially acting as an equalizing force and encouraging democracy, economic innovation and free speech. A group of Republicans and Democrats who are out-of-touch with the full potential of the internet are on the verge of putting an end to that. Congress is now considering the "Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006." The bill would allow cable and telecommunication companies such as Verizon, AT & T, Comcast and Time Warner to act as gate keepers of the internet. Those companies feel it is their right as they already control the wires.

The concern is that if this occurs, the Internet will be turned into a cable network with the deeper pocket books deciding what websites receive preferential treatment and which websites will have faster download speeds.

Leading high-tech companies, such as Intel and Google have also signed petitions supporting protections of net neutrality. It is important for Wisconsin small businesses that are dependent on the internet to also stand up.

After we have 20 plus bloggers on board we would like to begin approaching small business and asking them to also join the coalition. We hope to then bring the list of supporters to all of out legislators and tell them to protect network neutrality. If you are interested in signing up, please email me and visit our site at http://wcfnn.blogspot.com/

We will add you to the list.

Like Sean, I haven't had the time to really delve into this issue, so I don't know where I stand yet. But, if you do, and you want to get on board, please do. However, I must say, I don't think it is quite as clear-cut as those on opposing sides say (what issue is?).