The following editorial appeared in the
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Consumer groups and some Democrats are already calling on
That’s all the more reason why
Indeed, cable and telecommunications companies say they have no plans to block Web users whose high-volume downloads could clog the network pipe and slow surfing for others. That’s good news for maintaining what
A unanimous, three-judge decision from the
The
Consumers instead will have to rely on the voluntary pledges of Internet providers that Web access won’t be divided into fast and slow lanes. Or that access to some sites won’t be blocked. The downside of voluntary pledges, of course, is that Internet providers could change course.
Companies like
The
And there’s no consensus among the sharply divided lawmakers in
So it will be important for the
As long as
A thornier problem for the nation as a whole is that the
Without a legal means to require funding for the national broadband plan put out by the administration in March, it’s unlikely that Internet service will be extended to rural and poor households or that the higher Web speeds being sought will be achieved.
Since it’s in
Their goal should be to preserve the Internet as a marketplace for ideas and innovation — and one that’s accessible to all.