Spotlightingnews

Consumers Feel Internet Freedom is at Risk: "tiered Internet" vs "Net neutrality"

Kenney: "There needs to be an explicit prohibition on discriminatory pricing."

Fair access to any Internet page (website), without discrimination from ISPs, some of which wanting to set fees for secure access to sites (like Google, Yahoo, or eBay) is at risk. The battle is between "tiered Internet" vs "Net neutrality"

Coalitions of consumer groups try to prevent such measures which would increase internet access costs for millions of Internet users, by installing restrictions to those who do not pay an extra fee.

Jeannine Kenney, senior policy analyst at Consumers Union, on the concept of Net neutrality:

"There needs to be an explicit prohibition on discriminatory pricing."

Net Neutrality is also supported by FCC Commissioner Michael Copps, considering it (Net neutrality) one of the most pressing technological issues:

"Our open and vibrant and free-wheeling Internet is the last place where we should allow toll bridges to be erected. Every American has a stake in how this turns out."

Ben Scott, policy director of the media reform group Free Press:

"These pricing schemes are simply poorly disguised discrimination. Requiring Internet companies to pay for high-speed access to the Internet when they're already charging consumers for the same service means consumers will ultimately pay twice."

"The scheme will stifle innovation and competition by effectively denying access to start-ups that can't afford to pay for access to high speeds."