Hope for an open, free-flowing Internet

AT&T's acceptance of a network-neutrality rule in its merger with BellSouth is a temporary victory for supporters of a free-flowing Internet. Continued pressure from the public, Congress and the Federal Communications Commission is essential if net neutrality is to become permanent.

The net-neutrality agreement only applies to AT&T, and only for two years. Even though other network providers are not affected, the AT&T agreement is significant. The merger makes AT&T the major phone company in22 states. The seemingly arcane neutrality issue is really very simple. Network neutrality is a must for innovation and the consumer because it would ensure that all Internet content is treated equally. Without net neutrality, Web sites, or companies, could be forced to pay a network provider so its pages could load faster, thus creating a two-tired system.

The few companies that build the pipes that feed our cyberworld have fought net neutrality language in a proposed telecommunications bill called the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006. The act went nowhere in Congress last year largely because of the neutrality debate. Cable and telecom lobbyists were countered by an effective campaign lead by activists and organizations, including the Consumers Union.

The issue resurfaced when AT&T went to the FCC for approval of its $86 billion buyout of BellSouth. The two Democrats on the commission held up approval until AT&T made a number of concessions, one of which was net neutrality.

During the next two years, Internet service providers such as Verizon and Comcast will be lavishing enormous sums of money on lobbyists in the halls of the Capitol. AT&T could be ready to join the fight in 2009.

The two-year window might be enough time for a Democrat-controlled Congress and possible presidency to ensconce net neutrality.

It is also an opportunity for the network companies to learn that an open Internet is not bad for business, and that it helps drive creativity.