Net Neutrality is the idea that after getting all the big tax breaks necessary to hardwire the entire country with fibre, the big phone companies should NOT now be allowed to charge for Internet use based on traffic volume, despite NOT having fulfilled their promise to install fibre.

Despite many promises from the phone companies, the U.S. is far behind many other countries in getting really high-speed Internet service to homes and even many businesses. 

Whatever you feel about politics, few Web users like the idea that a few big companies could take control of The Internet the way they already have taken control over TV, radio, and newspapers in the U.S. That has been precisely the aim of lobbyists who tried to get legislation passed which would allow the so called two-tier Internet where you can get better access for your Web sites if you pay more.

That was the aim backed mostly by Republicans.

 With the Democrats taking over the House and possibly the Senate, it now looks as though a few big companies may not be able to squeeze small users out of the running and small new Web sites such as You Tube, will remain able to compete head-to-head with CNN and other major players.

 

In particular, John Dingell of Michigan will take over chairmanship of the critical House Energy and Commerce Committee from Republican Joe Barton from AT&T’s home state of Texas.

Also, long-time net neutrality sponsor Ed Markey (Dem-Mass) will take over the Internet and Technology subcommittee. 

We still need to watch carefully to make certain the outgoing Republicans don’t force through a Big Bell-friendly Internet bill during their lame duck session, but things are looking up for what is often referred to as The Internet’s First Amendment.