Digital Divisions

Election season might halt progress on broadband legislation

The Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2008, introduced in the House by Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. Chip Pickering (R-Miss.) in the beginning of February might be in trouble. The goal of the legislation is to address Net Neutrality issues and broadband issues.

The law, if passed, would require the FCC to keep closer tabs on Internet service providers to insure that they are fair in the way they manage and charge for their services.

Predictably the telecom and wireless companies have lobbied against the bill, saying it’s unnecessary and would hurt them.

An article at IP Buisness magazine has a great look at where the bill is at and why its probably not going to happen this year despite broad support.