The divide between Hollywood labor and management over the issue of Net neutrality grew wider as two voices from the talent side urged Congress to preserve the open access of the Web.

In testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on Tuesday, Writers Guild of America West topper Patric Verrone and thesp Justine Bateman described the Internet as the only remaining open market for truly independent creators. Both emphasized the need for Net neutrality -- the notion that Internet and broadband service providers should be mandated to provide consumers with equal and unfettered access to all legal Web sites and online content.

The Motion Picture Assn. of America opposes any attempt to enforce Net neutrality, claiming it would ultimately prevent broadband service providers from policing their pipes for pirated content.

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