WASHINGTON -- Today, Federal Communication Chairman Julius Genachowski's announcement that the agency will consider "network neutrality" policies at an open meeting on December 21, 2010.

Although, New America commends the Chairman for finally moving forward and circulating an order, in their current form, the proposed rules will do little to protect the open Internet and will facilitate practices that would censor Internet content and harm innovation. The following can be attributed to Sascha Meinrath, Director of the New America Foundation's Open Technology Initiative:

"Initial reports on the proposal indicate that it mirrors AT&T's positions at the literal expense of the general public. In their current form, the rules would allow wireless providers to continue to block consumer's access to lawful applications, content, and devices; open the door to a 'pay to play' Internet where providers would create toll roads to prioritize the traffic of the largest and richest media conglomerates and content companies; and, permit all broadband providers to block consumer's access to applications and content they deem unwanted or harmful under the guise of 'reasonable network management.' Lastly, the Chairman's abandonment of the certainty provided by Title II authority, all but guarantees that the proposed rules would not withstand a judicial challenge."

"Without fundamental changes to the current order, the Chairman's proposal will be a great victory for the largest telecom corporations and a sound defeat for those working to support innovation and the economic vibrancy that an open Internet facilitates. The New America Foundation is hopeful that the Chairman's office and Commissioners that support open Internet rules will develop a final order that uphold the FCC's responsibility to protect consumers and Internet freedom."

About the Open Technology Initiative
The New America Foundation's Open Technology Initiative formulates policy and regulatory reforms to support open architectures and open source innovations and facilitates the development and implementation of open technologies and communications networks.

For more information, visit, http://oti.newamerica.net/

Please contact Kate Brown with media inquiries at 202-596-3365 or brown@newamerica.net.