A forum on a free and open Internet was held at the University of Vermont on July 1, expanding the dialog on prohibiting prioritized Internet service as the Federal Communications Commission continues to fast-track Internet fast lanes.
The hearing -- "Preserving an Open Internet: Rules to Promote Competition and Protect Main Street Consumers" -- was led by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., chair of the United States Senate Judiciary Committee.
Vermont State Librarian Martha Reid testified at the hearing, advocating net neutrality and deeming it a fundamental element required by libraries to fulfill their service to the public.
"It has always been and remains today a core value of libraries to preserve the free flow of information," said Reid. "It doesn't matter whether that information comes in print or audio-visual or digital format. Intellectual freedom -- the right of citizens to have access to information, including that which may be controversial -- is a hallmark of our democracy and of libraries."
The FCC gave citizens until July to debate the commission's proposed rules for protecting net neutrality, as many consumers have expressed discontent with the guidelines being proposed. The proposed rules wouldn't restrict Internet service providers from enabling companies such as Facebook and Netflix from paying premium prices to receive prioritized Internet service.
The fast lanes would allow users faster access to the sites that have received the priority Internet service, but it would serve as another barrier to startup companies who couldn't afford the premium price to optimize the user experience on their websites.
Citizens were urged to speak out against the FCC's proposed legislation when Michael Copps, former commissioner of the FCC, delivered testimony before the United States Judiciary Committee's assembly at the University of Vermont.
"Is the Net going to be the tool of the many that helps us all live better -- or will it become the playground of the privileged few that only widens the many divides that are creating a stratified and unequal America," said Copps. "Are we heading toward an online future with fast lanes for the 1 percent and slow lanes for the 99 percent? Well, it's decision time. Now."
A video of the July 1 meeting of the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary, as well as PDFs of testimony, was posted on the United State Senate Judiciary Committee's website. The FCC's 2014 proposal on regulating net neutrality has been posted to the commission's website.
