I hope you'll forgive my decidedly opinionated slant in this post, but this is an issue that speaks not only to my heart, but also my politics ... and (full disclosure) my business.

Net Neutrality is a concept that gained some attention and momentum in 2006, but still has an uncertain future. Until now, it hasn't even really been an issue -- freedom of access to all websites has been something only countries like China have threatened, not our domestic telecommunications companies.

What's at stake is really free access to the internet -- all of the internet. I could try to explain it here, but others have said it so much better. (Of the various explanations of Net Neutrality out there, I found Ask a Ninja's take [mentioned in this blog previously] to be among the clearest, not to mention the funniest.)

Anyway, we're a month into the new year, with a new political reality and new hopes to secure the freedoms of net neutrality we've enjoyed through the years so far. To that end, the Save the Internet Coalition has just posted the Internet Freedom Declaration of 2007.

A Public Agenda for the Future of Communications

The Internet has become a vital engine for democratic participation, economic innovation and free speech. As the Internet becomes our public square and economic marketplace, Internet access must be regarded as a civil right for all Americans. The attempt by some to act as Internet gatekeepers imperils the social and economic promise that the Internet holds for our future. Congress and other public officials have a vital role to play in preserving Internet freedom and ensuring that America's communications infrastructure benefits the common good.

We, the undersigned, call upon Congress and other public officials to foster the following Internet rights:

Universal Affordable Access

Broadband Internet access should be universally available and affordable. Rural or urban, rich or poor, every American must be able to access the information superhighway at fair prices and speeds that rival the rest of the world. Like the public highways, the information superhighway must be considered a key piece of public infrastructure -- an indispensable part of our society that provides economic and social opportunities to all.

An Open and Neutral Network

Access to broadband networks should be open to all producers and consumers of Internet content on fair and equal terms without discrimination. The Internet should offer a free market to all competitors and maximum choice to all consumers. All lawful Web sites, devices, applications and services should have unfettered access to open Internet networks. This principle, known as Network Neutrality, ensures that no self-interested gatekeepers can hold captive the online economic marketplace or marketplace of ideas.

World Class Quality through Competition

A competitive marketplace fosters innovation, benefits consumers, creates jobs, and grows the economy. America has seen nearly a decade of decline in its world standing in broadband services largely because of an uncompetitive marketplace -- with monopolies and barriers to entry written into the law. America must build the world's most advanced communications networks and maximize competition on those networks. Regulation should be restrained, technology neutral and consistent across all competitive networks.

On the site, there are links for taking action. I'll step off my soapbox now....