Google: Fight for Net Neutrality

With the United States House of Representatives set to vote on a bill that would enable Internet providers to charge for priority access to their networks, Google is asking consumers to speak out. The search engine, along with Microsoft, Yahoo and others, say the bill would create a two-tiered system.

In an open letter posted on the Google Web site, company CEO Eric Schmidt says action must be taken to protect the Internet. He claims that smaller companies who cannot afford to pay will be pushed to the side in the name of profiteering.

"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," Schmidt wrote. "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."

The telecom industry claims that it has no intention to create a two-tier content delivery system, and are simply fighting for control of their networks. Internet providers say they should have the right to charge companies who are using more bandwidth-intensive applications, such as audio and video.

But few are buying that explanation. Last month, musician Moby spoke out against the effort, demanding alongside Massachusetts Democratic Representative Edward Markey that Congress pass some type of legislation that would ensure the free flow of data through the Internet.

"If Congress guts Net Neutrality, independent music and news sites would be choked off, consumer choice would be limited, and the Internet will be become a private toll road auctioned off by companies like AT&T," Moby warned.

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