Public airs concerns over Google plan, net neutrality to FCC officials

Two members of the Federal Communications Commission heard unofficial testimony in Minneapolis last night, and most people at the hearing agreed that no one should get preferential treatment on the internet.

The public meeting was designed to provide perspectives on Internet access and control.

The group Free Press organized the event in response to a new proposal by Google and Verizon. Those communications corporations say they want to be able to charge more for heavy Internet traffic or users who want special services.

Chaka Mkali, a neighborhood advocate who works in Minneapolis, said as he sees it those big corporations want websites that pay more to get faster access for users.

"If the FCC does not impose regulations protecting Internet users reasserting their authority over broadband and pass strong net neutrality, we compromise democracy and democratic participation, while perpetuating further disparities with staggering impacts none of us here today want on our hearts and minds," Mkali said.

Commissioners Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn are both sympathetic to groups that have pushed the idea of network neutrality, meaning Internet users and websites of any size would be treated equally on broadband and other Internet networks.

Clyburn said more government regulation won't mean regulation of Internet content.

"This is about consumers rather than corporations maintaining control over their online experience," Clyburn said. "This is about keeping the Internet open for new entrants, small companies, people of all backgrounds and levels of experience and financial resources including people of color and women."

Supporters of the Google-Verizon proposal say more government regulation would stifle new innovations and investment in the Internet. They say claims the proposal would end equal access to the Internet are exaggerated.