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Stimulus Bill Contains Net Neutrality Provision

Posted by Soulskill on from the art-of-vagueness-and-obfuscation dept.

visible.frylock writes "Cnet is reporting that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (PDF), currently in the House Appropriations Committee, contains Net Neutrality provisions: 'The so-called stimulus package hands out billions of dollars in grants for broadband and wireless development, primarily in what are called "unserved" and "underserved" areas. ... The catch is that the federal largesse comes with Net neutrality strings attached. ... recipients must operate broadband and high-speed wireless networks on an "open access basis." The FCC, soon to be under Democratic control, is charged with deciding what that means. Congress didn't see fit to include a definition.' The broadband grants appear to begin in SEC. 3101 (pg. 49) of the PDF."

3 of 129 comments (clear)

  1. Open Access by DemoLiter3 · · Score: 3, Funny

    I don't get it... How operating all wireless networks in unencrypted, unauthenticated mode is supposed to provide Net Neutrality?

  2. feeling better already by Ruvim · · Score: 5, Funny

    so, we are finally getting someone in government who does not just measure Net in truckloads.

  3. Re:You and your two party system by frieko · · Score: 3, Funny

    You're correct, the correct phrase is 'under Democrat control'. 'under Democratic control' is just as wrong as 'under Republic control'

    In any case, in the American system there are for all practical purposes only two parties. There are things they both agree on (increasing spending) and things that are strictly divided along party lines (reproductive rights), and practically nothing that's a gray area.

    If that sounds absurd to you, then now you know why we all just vote for the tallest candidate and go back to drinking beer.