Sgt_Kickaxe - 1:31 am on Aug 10, 2010 (gmt 0)

And this folks is how freedom is lost.

Don't believe a word of the "press release", it's propaganda.

It is imperative that we find ways to protect the future openness of the Internet and encourage the rapid deployment of broadband.

Simple solution, tell Google and Verizon they have no right to influence government in the name of openness while the proposal itself slaps restrictions and fees on it. Who does Google think they are making decisions for the planet anyway? I don't remember anyone appointing them as internet saviors and they sure as heck don't own any of what they aim to control.

The fact that Google and Verizon can't profit from the net by selling "use packages" doesn't mean its broken. If businesses can't be profitable without charging more they can go ahead and charge more, people should be free to seek cheaper alternatives and this "proposal" ensures there are none.

Also, the very second your internet activity starts to get measured for bandwidth Google/Verizon will have a right to record where you've been. They do it anyway, the proposal insures they have a right to continue doing it.

read the actual proposed legislative framework here - [scribd.com...]

This is a pure baby steps move to get the ball rolling until we pay for internet like we do cable, pre-determined basic and much more expensive advanced packages we are NOT free to change. The new costs will of course need to be shared by webmasters.

There is nothing at issue beyond major companies looking to profit more from a system they HATE for being so open.

The proposal is exceedingly vague too - from the actual framework -

A provider that offers a broadband Internet access service complying with the above principles could offer any other additional or differentiated services.

But one thing is clear the basic is being outlined and the extra will of course cost more. vultures are looking to profit from our current freedoms all while pretending to be the nice guys. just say no.

Who would run the show under this proposal?

Regulatory Authority: The FCC would have exclusive authority to oversee broadband Internet access service, but would not have any authority over Internet software applications, content or services. Regulatory authorities would not be permitted to regulate broadband Internet access service.

Two tiers, the FCC policing internet service providers and an unnamed "regulatory authority" policing website content. Each not allowed to step on the toes of the other thus eliminating an appeal process. Move over internet CZAR.

The internet is CURRENTLY open and free, enjoy it while it lasts. Google/Verizon efforts bring haste to the end of those freedoms.

[edited by: Sgt_Kickaxe at 1:56 am (utc) on Aug 10, 2010]