Chairman Rockefeller Statement on Preserving the Open Internet

September 21, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following statement today on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking on net neutrality regulations:
 
“An open Internet has been key to expanding economic, education, and healthcare opportunities to consumers and businesses, especially in rural areas, as well as facilitating political dialogue among all Americans.  At times, this free market of ideas has been threatened by communications providers blocking access to lawful content and applications.  Such actions harm all Internet users and undermine the innovation that has made this country strong.  I applaud Chairman Genachowski’s proposal as a good first step toward protecting consumers’ rights and the integrity of a free and open Internet for all Americans.”
 
 
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