H.R. 5252, the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement (COPE) Act
Net neutrality is generally defined as providing for an Internet that allows innovation in technology and free speech in content. I support this goal, as long as it is done through limited regulation, allowing market forces to provide services and technologies that consumers demand.
I introduced H.R. 5252, the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement (COPE) Act, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 321-101. One of the provisions in this bill addresses net neutrality, authorizing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review complaints of content discrimination on a case-by-case basis and enabling them to penalize a company up to $500,000 per violation. These reviews, based around the FCC principles to protect access to broadband services, will support the protection of free speech on the Internet as well as encourage business innovation in an important industry.
The primary purpose of the COPE Act is to streamline cable franchising, the process available for a video provider to enter a new market. Today there are thousands of local franchising authorities, and each may impose different restrictions on the provision of cable services in a locality. This current procedure is hindering the deployment of advanced broadband networks. Streamlining franchising will increase competition, giving consumers more options in video, voice, and data services.
H.R. 5252 strikes a balance between national standards and local oversight. It continues to allow negotiation of local franchises but also makes available an alternative national franchise process. The national franchise preserves local franchise fees, municipal control over local infrastructure, and support for public, educational and governmental channels. Most importantly, it allows for greater competition and better prices for consumers.
Again, thank you for contacting me. Please continue to keep me informed of the issues that are of importance to you.
Sincerely,
Joe Barton
Member of Congress
I introduced H.R. 5252, the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement (COPE) Act, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 321-101. One of the provisions in this bill addresses net neutrality, authorizing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review complaints of content discrimination on a case-by-case basis and enabling them to penalize a company up to $500,000 per violation. These reviews, based around the FCC principles to protect access to broadband services, will support the protection of free speech on the Internet as well as encourage business innovation in an important industry.
The primary purpose of the COPE Act is to streamline cable franchising, the process available for a video provider to enter a new market. Today there are thousands of local franchising authorities, and each may impose different restrictions on the provision of cable services in a locality. This current procedure is hindering the deployment of advanced broadband networks. Streamlining franchising will increase competition, giving consumers more options in video, voice, and data services.
H.R. 5252 strikes a balance between national standards and local oversight. It continues to allow negotiation of local franchises but also makes available an alternative national franchise process. The national franchise preserves local franchise fees, municipal control over local infrastructure, and support for public, educational and governmental channels. Most importantly, it allows for greater competition and better prices for consumers.
Again, thank you for contacting me. Please continue to keep me informed of the issues that are of importance to you.
Sincerely,
Joe Barton
Member of Congress
posted by Rusty @ 6/14/2006 04:40:00 PM
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