House Judiciary Committee Unveils Net Neutrality Bill

May 19, 2008

House Judiciary Committee chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (R-Ca) have introduced the "Internet Freedom and Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (H.R. 5994)," an antitrust bill intended to remedy anti-competitive and discriminatory practices by broadband service providers.

The legislation's antitrust intent

In a joint statement, Conyers and Lofgren explained, "The legislation will require Internet service providers (ISPs) to operate their network in a reasonable and nondiscriminatory manner so that all content, applications, and services are treated the same and have an equal opportunity to reach consumers."

The bill would make it illegal for a broadband service provider "to fail to provide its broadband network services on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms and conditions such that any person can offer or provide content, applications, or services to or over the network in a manner that is at least equal to the manner in which the provider or its affiliates offer content, applications, and services, free of any surcharge on the basis of the content, application, or service."

Statements from the Representatives about the Net Neutrality Bill

"Americans have come to expect the Internet to be open to everyone," said Conyers. "The Internet was designed without centralized control, without gatekeepers for content and services. If we allow companies with monopoly or duopoly power to control how the Internet operates, network providers could have the power to choose what content is available. Many of the innovations and products we use every day, such as search engines, music download services and online video, likely would never have developed in such a restricted environment."

"I am pleased to join Chairman Conyers in cosponsoring this important legislation," noted Rep. Zoe Lofgren. "Recent events have shown that net neutrality is more than a hypothetical concern. We need a meaningful remedy to prevent those who control the infrastructure of the Internet from controlling the content on the Internet. This legislation will help guarantee that the innovative spirit of the Internet is not trampled."