Mayor and U.S. Senate candidate Mark Begich today issued the following statement regarding his position on net neutrality:

"Net Neutrality has allowed the Internet to drive economic innovation, democratic participation, and free speech online. I will protect and preserve net neutrality's level playing field, so that all Alaskans -- and all Americans -- can experience the vast social and economic benefits of an open Internet connection."

"Discriminatory pricing would turn the open internet into a toll road that serves only those companies that can afford the price. Access to the internet is no longer a luxury; it's a lifeline for many Alaskans."

"I will work to see that Congress adopts public policies that will protect net neutrality, preserve an open Internet and spur the growth of Alaska 's economy."

Network Neutrality, commonly referred to as net neutrality, is the guiding principle that prohibits Internet providers from regulating the speed at which Web content can be viewed based on who produces it, who owns it, or where it is going.

For more information, visit www.begich.com/netneutrality [1].