Senate Hearing on Net Neutrality

Today the Senate held a hearing on network neutrality attended by, among others, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and Lawrence Lessig. In general Democrats are recognizing that a set of sound principles is needed to assure a consistent end-to-end network. The Republican, on the other hand, think net neutrality would stifle innovation and investment through burdensome regulation. Ars Technica has good coverage:

Recognizing the unintentional problems that regulation can create, Kerry called for "principles, not nitpicky regulatory structure."

Dorgan, one of the co-sponsors of a network neutrality bill still pending in the Senate, likewise was incredulous that anyone could consider this some kind of intrusive government interference. "Who on earth is standing up for discrimination?" he thundered.

Well, Ted Stevens (R-AK) is, for one. Though he said little at the hearing, the octogenarian did offer his brief take on network neutrality: "extensive regulation of the Internet, that's what net neutrality means to me." Pithy.