The Net Neutrality Punch-up

Net neutrality as a phrase did not emerge in the popular media until late 2004 as it was popularized by then-FCC Chairman Michael Powell. The term implies that broadband providers should be required to be neutral between various uses and applications. Internet service providers and content providers are now spending $1 million daily on advertising and lobbying, while a befuddled Congress struggles with enacting—or blocking—legislation related to the traffic carried on networks across the U.S. The net neutrality issue is the focal point in an overall effort to amend federal communications law.