UPDATE: FCC Says "Yes" to Net Neutrality - McCain "No"; Conservatives Don't All Agree

The FCC voted "Yes" on Thursday, October 22, to begin formulating a set of Net Neutrality rules. The rules would attempt to ensure that Internet users have all possible choices. Providers could use "reasonable" network management to control congestion and quality. A controversy exists over whether this will guarantee free speech or hamper free enterprise (see earlier AC article here).

Proponents of Net Neutrality say that the most powerful Internet Service Providers (ISPs) might be intending to use new innovations to sell only certain services based on speed, security and other factors; and that this could stifle free speech.

Immediately after the positive vote, John McCain (R-AZ) introduced the "Internet Freedom Act," which would keep the FCC from making rules prohibiting broadband services from selectively blocking or slowing Internet content and capabilities. Various forms of the Internet Freedom Act have been around for years. McCain's theory is that Net Neutrality would create singular federal regulation of the industry - more control, not less, thereby stifling free enterprise. However, not all conservative groups agree with him...

Conservatives are at Odds over Net Neutrality - some for, some against:
In September, The Christian Coalition placed a petition online for people to sign in support of Net Neutrality. According to their assessment, the Christian Coalition feels that Net Neutrality policies would help create the most free marketplace possible; and that cable and phone monopolies shouldn't control what consumers can see on the Internet.

In contrast, the Traditional Values Coalition, claim Net Neutrality will squelch free enterprise by penalizing ISPs who want to spend billions on innovative broadband services; possibly hampering the creation of new jobs and the safety of existing jobs by over-burdening companies with fees and penalties.

Some national conservative groups, such as the American Family Association and Concerned Women for America, were not taking a prominent stand on Net Neutrality, according to research for this article.

New FCC Net Neutrality rules would require companies to be transparent with consumers about their efforts. But some feel the word "transparent" is open to subjective interpretation, stating Congress hasn't been very transparent about Health Care with the Congressional Budget Office or the American people.

Special thanks to Associated Content Producer Michael Segers, who brought the Christian Coalition's support of Net Neutrality to this reporter's attention.

Sources:
Christian Coalition on Net Neutrality;
McCain's "Internet Freedom Act," Newsmax.com;
Traditional Values Coalition on Net Neutrality .