Skip to main content

Google, Facebook, other tech firms push FCC for net neutrality

FCC
Image used with permission by copyright holder
A group of tech firms, including Google, Facebook, Twitter, and others, are urging the FCC to draft and adopt net neutrality rules which favor an open Internet.

In a document entitled “Comments of the Internet Association,” the firms argue that the FCC should help the Internet remain open because “it remains an engine for economic growth, innovation, and democratic values.” However, the companies warn that “broadband Internet access providers continue to have the ability and the incentive to clog that virtuous circle.”

Recommended Videos

The Internet Association urges that the regulatory body should adopt “simple, light-touch rules to ensure that the Internet remains open, dynamic, and spontaneous.” The group also contends that there should be no fake slow lanes, and no fast lanes for companies that want to pay up for them. These rules should apply to both mobile and wired networks, the Internet Association states.

The Internet Association describes itself as a group that is “dedicated to advancing public policy solutions to strengthen and protect Internet freedom, foster innovation and economic growth and empower users.”

Aside from the firms mentioned above, other members of the Internet Association include Amazon, Yahoo, LinkedIn, Reddit, Yelp, Expedia, Airbnb, and others.

The open commentary period on the subject of net neutrality reportedly ends tomorrow, so if you want the FCC to hear what you have to say on this issue, go fill out this form to weigh in. Alternatively, you can send an email to openinternet@fcc.gov as well.

After tomorrow, replies to the first wave of comments will be permitted until September 10, The New York Times reports.

You can read “Comments of the Internet Association” in full here.

Konrad Krawczyk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…
I have a theory on how the PS5 Pro could actually outclass PCs
The PS5 Pro suspended in air.

Without a doubt, the PlayStation 5 Pro is the most powerful game console we've ever seen. It's set to launch next week, promising "45% faster rendering" on the back of a beefier graphics card and faster memory. It won't be enough to outclass a proper gaming desktop packing one of the best graphics cards -- not even close. But the PS5 Pro could have an edge over PCs in one area.

I say "could" because we really don't know. AMD pointed me to Sony, and Sony hasn't returned my request for comment about the specifics under the hood of the PS5 Pro. I have some hints, however, and if you'll indulge a little speculation, I have some interesting theories about how the PS5 Pro might have an edge over even powerful gaming PCs.
The PS5 Pro's secret weapon

Read more
Intel Battlemage GPU: everything we know so far
Intel Arc A770 GPU installed in a test bench.

Despite a rocky start, Intel's Arc GPUs are now among the best graphics cards you can buy. Targeting budget PC gamers, Intel has established itself as a major player in gaming graphics cards, and all eyes are on Team Blue with its next generation of GPUs, codenamed Battlemage.

We know Battlemage GPUs are coming, and Intel has slowly been dropping hints about the graphics cards over the past year. Although we're still waiting on an official release date, specs, and pricing details for Battlemage GPUs, there's a lot we can piece together already.
Intel Battlemage: specs

Read more
Spotify vs. Pandora: which streaming service should you choose?
spotify vs pandora on iphone

Let's settle a musical debate: which music streaming platform should you use: Spotify or Pandora?

Both services have their unique strengths and weaknesses. Spotify boasts a more extensive music catalog, robust social features for sharing and discovering music with friends, and a more polished user experience across devices.

Read more