The Internet Freedom Preservation Act (H.R. 5353), introduced by Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), would have established a national broadband policy and directed the FCC to conduct summits to assess competition, consumer protection and other issues related to broadband Internet access.

The bill would have required the FCC to investigate whether broadband network providers: a) block or interfere with legal applications and attach or connect legal devices; b) charge extra for quality of service or other surcharges to certain applications and service providers in conflict with communications policy; c) manage or prioritize network traffic in conflict with communications policy; and d) offer parental controls and services to combat unsolicited e-mail, etc.

H.R. 5353 would have further required the FCC to hold at least eight "public broadband summits" throughout the United States (within one year after the bill's enactment) to assess competition, consumer protection and choice related to broadband. The FCC would be required to report to Congress within 90 days after completion of the summits to summarize results and provide recommendations on improving broadband competition.

A companion bill, S. 215, was introduced in the Senate.

Free Press strongly supported this bill.

Get more information on Internet Freedom:

1. These fact sheets make the case for an Open Internet.

2. Separate fact from fiction: Read about Net Neutrality Myths and Realities.