Udall Urges FCC to Protect Open Internet

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, expressed his support for a free and open Internet as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) prepares new net neutrality rules, including a proposal to charge companies for faster delivery of content.

Udall is a cosponsor of S. 1981, " The Open Internet Preservation Act ," to protect consumers and innovation online. He issued the following statement in advance of the commission's meeting tomorrow:

"I'm working in the Senate to encourage investments in broadband infrastructure so that people living in rural New Mexico are not stuck in an Internet 'slow lane.' But allowing new 'toll lanes' on the Web could drastically change the Internet as we know it.

"I've heard from hundreds of New Mexicans who want to ensure the Internet remains an open and fair forum. I urge the FCC to use its authority to preserve standards that allow the Web to continue to be a platform for free expression, to promote innovation, and help online entrepreneurs compete on a level playing field with established companies."