Sunday, February 8, 2004

Powell Urges Industry to Adopt "Net Freedom" Principles

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael K. Powell issued a challenge to high-speed Internet providers to adopt a set of four voluntary "Net Freedom" principles:

  • Freedom to Access Content. Consumers should have access to their choice of legal content.


  • Freedom to Use Applications. Consumers should be able to run applications of their choice.


  • Freedom to Attach Personal Devices. Consumers should be permitted to attach any devices they choose to the connection in their homes.


  • Freedom to Obtain Service Plan Information. Consumers should receive meaningful information regarding their service plans.


"I would emphasize that consumers also have a role in this challenge to preserve ‘Net Freedom,'" said Powell. "I encourage consumers to challenge their broadband providers to live up to these standards and to let the Commission know how the industry is doing."http://www.fcc.gov