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The Net Neutrality provision, a concept that basically means all websites are to be treated equally, was defeated yesterday. If passed, the provision would have amended a proposed bill (Communications, Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement, or COPE) in the House of Representatives, which calls for a tiered Internet system made up of broadband and lower bandwidth access lanes controlled by cable and phone companies. These companies would get to decide which sites gets access to what. COPE was passed by 321-100 votes. The bill now moves to the Senate, to be voted on sometime this month.
Net Neutrality was defeated 269-152. Companies such as Google, Amazon.com and Ebay strongly backed the provision, claiming a tiered system in the hands of cable and telephone companies would limit freedoms on the Internet. In reality, it also means Google et al will have to potentially shell out more dough for higher bandwidth services.
