A note on net neutrality

The following is summarized from a notice posted on Google. I couldn’t have said it myself, so I won’t try…

The Internet as we know it is facing a serious threat. There’s a debate heating up in Washington, DC on something called “net neutrality” – and it’s a debate that’s so important Google is asking you to get involved. We’re asking you to take action to protect Internet freedom.

In the next few days, the House of Representatives is going to vote on a bill that would fundamentally alter the Internet. That bill, and one that may come up for a key vote in the Senate in the next few weeks, would give the big phone and cable companies the power to pick and choose what you will be able to see and do on the Internet.

Today the Internet is an information highway where anybody – no matter how large or small, how traditional or unconventional – has equal access. But the phone and cable monopolies, who control almost all Internet access, want the power to choose who gets access to high-speed lanes and whose content gets seen first and fastest. They want to build a two-tiered system and block the on-ramps for those who can’t pay.

Creativity, innovation and a free and open marketplace are all at stake in this fight. Please call your representative (202-224-3121) and let your voice be heard.

Thanks for your time, your concern and your support.

Eric Schmidt

This is a very important issue and one you need to be aware of. This will fundamentally affect how we use the Internet and whether or not the little guy can compete. From freedom of blogs and bloggers to post news to how something like Craig’s List competes with eBay, it is all wound up together.

For more information on net neutrality, check out the wikipedia entry. And to help support the efforts, check out SaveTheInternet.