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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Moira Vahey, Free Press, (202) 265-1490 x31

FCC Chair Proposes New Net Neutrality Rules

WASHINGTON

Federal Communications Commission Chair Julius Genachowski
today proposed new Net Neutrality rules that would protect the open
Internet on all wired and wireless networks. In a speech at the
Brookings Institution, Genachowksi proposed rules that would prohibit
discrimination of content or applications by Internet service providers
and would ensure network management practices are transparent.

Genachowski intends to introduce a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking at
the FCC's October meeting to codify these two principles, in addition
to the four open Internet principles that now guide the FCC's oversight
and enforcement of communications law. FCC Commissioners Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn have already indicated they support stronger Net Neutrality rules.

Josh Silver, executive director of Free Press, made the following statement:

"The debate over Net Neutrality at times has felt like a marathon,
but today the finish line is in sight. Chairman Genachowski's speech
today shows the FCC intends to follow through on President Obama's
pledge to protect the free and open Internet.

"This is a tremendous day for millions of us who have been clamoring
to keep the Internet free from discrimination -- but it's even more
important for the hundreds of millions of Internet users for whom Net
Neutrality will safeguard economic innovation, democratic participation
and free speech online.

"We applaud Chairman Genachowski, Commissioner Copps and
Commissioner Clyburn for taking a strong stand to promote competition
and consumer choice. We look forward to working with the FCC to
developing permanent rules that keep the Internet open and free for
everyone forever."

Free Press was created to give people a voice in the crucial decisions that shape our media. We believe that positive social change, racial justice and meaningful engagement in public life require equitable access to technology, diverse and independent ownership of media platforms, and journalism that holds leaders accountable and tells people what's actually happening in their communities.

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