Net neutrality preserved, somewhat

FCC takes steps to ensure freedom of access:

Known as "net neutrality," the rules prohibit phone and cable companies from favoring or discriminating against Internet content and services, such as those from rivals.

The rules require broadband providers to let subscribers access all legal online content, applications and services over their wired networks - including online calling services, Internet video and other Web applications that compete with their core businesses.

Republican FCC member pulls her head out of the sand long enough to cough up an exhausted meme:

At the same time, the two Republicans on the FCC worried that the rules will discourage phone and cable companies from continuing to upgrade their networks by making it difficult for them to earn a healthy return on their investments. They also insist that the regulations are intended to fix a problem that does not exist, as all the major broadband providers have already pledged not to discriminate against Internet traffic on their networks.

"The Internet will be no more open tomorrow than it is today," said Meredith Attwell Baker, a Republican.

That pledge and fifty cents will get you a cup of coffee, Meredith. These providers would do anything in their power to grab even a slightly larger slice of the market share pie, up to and including shredding the Web to block out their competitors, and people like you would applaud their ingenuity.