New York City Council Urges FCC, Congress to Adopt Net Neutrality Standards

On the heels of Tuesday's net neutrality debate during the Web 2.0 Expo in New York City, the New York City Council is also poised to discuss the Federal Communications Commission's six principles for net neutrality.

According to an e-mail from Councilmember Gale A Brewer, the council and others interested in the discussion are invited to attend a meeting on Friday, Nov.20, 2009, at 10 a.m. at New York City Hall. In addition to discussing whether the principles are sufficient to ensure an open Internet, those in attendance will also "examine pending Resolution 712A-2007, which asks the FCC and Congress to set firm net neutrality standards."

The resolution, sponsored by Brewer and six colleagues, asserts that firm federal standards are necessary because the "future of the Internet remains in jeopardy" without them -- especially in light of the Internet Freedom Act, introduced by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) That legislation, the resolution's sponsors contend, would "eliminate the FCC's ability" to regulate the Internet.

Those who are interested but cannot attend the meeting will be able to keep up with its progress via  Twitter, according to the e-mail.