Important Questions to ask Rep Markey at VON Keynote in Boston next week | Precursor Blog by Scott Cleland: Forthright Foresight Empowers Success

Mr. Markey (D-MA), one of THE BIGGEST net neutrality proponents, is the keynote speaker at the fall VON conference Tuesday September 12th. He is also the author of the House "Net Neutrality Act of 2006" which was defeated in the House earlier in the year by a wide margin about 270-150.

Big on rhetoric, but thin on substance, I believe Mr. Markey has some explainng to do about the dark side of his HR.5273 that has not been sufficiently challenged.

I suggest his audience should ask him some of the questions I list below, in order to get a better understanding of what Mr. Markey and his fellow neutr-elitists envision for the future of the Internet -- if the Democrats retake the House next year and if he is the new responsible House oversight Chairman for the Internet.

Important Questions for Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA) About His “Network Neutrality Act of 2006’ HR.5273:

How do you expect your authored bill HR.5273, to promote innovation and broadband network deployment to all Americans, when your bill outlaws incremental surcharges for incremental Internet improvements or new specialized offerings? HR.5273: Sect. 4.(a)(6) “…without…surcharges…” HR.5273: Sect. 4.(a)(7) “… without imposing a surcharge or other consideration for such prioritization or quality of service.”

Why is it necessary to regulate free broadband services for the first time? HR.5273: Sect. 4.(e)(2)(B) “Broadband Service...without a fee...”

What is your justification for regulating for the first time broadband companies and individual “persons” that have never had market power or done anything wrong? HR.5273: Sect. 4.(e)(1) “The term ‘broadband network provider’ means a person or entity...”

Do you personally believe, like your HR.5273 clearly mandates, that people are guilty until proven innocent? HR.5273: Sect. 4.(c)(2) “…any complaint filed at the Commission that alleges a violation of this section shall be deemed granted unless acted upon by the Commission within 90 days of its filing;”

Given that your bill HR5273 would outlaw any charges for improvements or investments in the Internet, and for the first time regulate free services, individuals and new companies that have no market power and have done nothing wrong… would it be fair to say that you and the two thirds of your Democratic colleagues who voted for HR.5273…envision a more government-run “Socialized-Internet in the future rather than the competitive and capitalistic Internet of today?