Recognizing the importance of a vital medium like the Internet and working on the proposed “net neutrality” policy, the US government, particularly the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has clearly sided with the consumers.

Deciding that Interwebs call for protective measures, the FCC opined that, for the Internet to remain productive and innovative, the manner of Internet use and the accessibility range of the consumers should not be determined by big telecommunications companies.

Backing the need for ‘net neutrality’ in his September 21 speech at the Brookings Institution, the FCC Chairman, Julius Genachowski, said that the agency would soon be initiating its efforts in the direction of making net neutrality an official policy of the government.

Though the proposed move would not be a sweeping one, it would essentially expand and give more legal force to several earlier-announced principles.

Noting that the ‘net neutrality’ rules would cover both wireless and wired networks, Genachowski said in his speech: ““This is not about government regulation of the Internet. It’s about fair rules of the road for companies that control access to the Internet.”

Genachowski added: “We could see the Internet's doors shut to entrepreneurs, the spirit of innovation stifled, a full and free flow of information compromised. Or we could take steps to preserve Internet openness, helping ensure a future of opportunity, innovation, and a vibrant marketplace of ideas.”