The Internet Battle: Web Neutrality

Network neutrality is the idea that the companies that own the broadband pipes should not be able to configure their networks in a way that plays favorites, allowing them for example, to transmit their own services at faster speeds, or to charge Net content and application companies a fee for similar fast delivery. On one side of the argument are large broadband players, who say they have the right to be compensated for money spent in building the networks. Intrusive federal legislation, they say, would reduce the incentive to invest in speedier networks in the future. On the other side are Internet content and application providers, who say Net neutrality requirements are essential to preserve the Net's traditional openness, ensuring that broadband companies will let all data flow freely to Web surfers. They also argue that extra fees levied by broadband companies would likely have to be passed on to consumers.
Vint Cerf, Google's chief Internet evangelist and one of the Net's founding fathers said he worried that without firmly entrenched Net neutrality principles, broadband companies could assume the unprecedented role of "gatekeepers," effectively shutting out Internet start-ups. "We risk losing the Internet as a catalyst for consumer choice, for economic growth, for technological innovation and for global competitiveness" he said.

The law COPE (Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement) = Republicans. The Democrats made amendment to defend the concept of “Web neutrality” so against this law. (On their side lobbying Google, Amazon, eBay or Vinton CERF).