Net neutrality
Net neutrality

Sunday, February 12, 2006

· In telecommunications policy, a regulation preventing Internet service providers from favoring their own content or applications over those of competitors.

· A rule that would prevent phone and cable companies from charging, or limiting access, to Google, Yahoo, Internet phone companies, or companies offering music and video to customers over their networks.

· According to phone and cable companies, a framework that will discourage investment in new network capacity and provide content providers with a "free lunch."

· According to content providers, a framework that insures the continued openness of the Internet by preventing network providers from deciding which Internet services and content their customers can receive.

· Currently, the most hotly lobbied telecom issue.

· An expected source for tens of millions of dollars in industry campaign contributions during this election cycle.

-- S.P.