Ted Kennedy on Net Neutrality

I'm proud to have been the first Senator with a website (Senate, Campaign), and I've always found the web useful for staying in touch with the people of Massachusetts. On almost any issue, I can readily find out what leading thinkers are saying in academic journals or read the opinions of concerned citizens through blogs and other media as I consider legislation and participate in Senate debates.

That's why I've become very concerned that the freedom of the Internet could be compromised, if telephone or cable companies are able to limit or control what we can or cannot use.

We cannot allow this to happen.

People care deeply about the issue of Net Neutrality, because they are eager to defend the openness that has made communities like this one possible. That's why I'm making this announcement here -- I'm supporting Net Neutrality.

As I see it, Net Neutrality protects the innovative spirit of our democracy that has always characterized the Internet. It's the same spirit of freedom and openness that has been the source of our strength and progress as Americans and has made our country the envy of the world. Congress deliberately kept the Internet free of taxes and surcharges in order to maintain its openness and stimulate innovation. I believe that access to the Internet should continue in that same spirit.

I've taken a moment in this video to describe why Net Neutrality matters, and to explain why I intend to protect it. Please watch it and share it with your friends.

In the video, I make these key points:

• What's at stake in the fight over Net Neutrality is as clear as the picture on your screen. The Internet allows me -- and everyone else -- to communicate directly with you. No matter what your political agenda, no matter what your political party, Net Neutrality protects your freedom of speech.

• The Internet has revolutionized the way we communicate. We use it for instant contact with family and friends. We rely on it for business and commerce. We turn to it to share our views on any subject under the sun.

• The Internet is such a vital part of our lives and our society that I believe all Americans should have equal access to it, and it must remain free from discrimination and anticompetitive behavior. These basic principles could easily be compromised if telephone and cable companies are able to limit or control what we can or cannot do.

We also have to make sure that every American can connect to the Internet at the highest possible speeds, and with the best available technology. The Internet continues to be a solid basis for innovation. It began as a way for researchers to share data and findings over vast distances. Today, it's not only a vital tool for research and communication, it's a mainstay for banks and consumers using online banking, for medical centers and health providers using health IT and much, much more.

In fact, in today's global economy, few companies can survive without doing business online. We should not disadvantage small and emerging businesses by giving access to better technology and service only to those who can afford it.

Net Neutrality -- and the Internet itself -- can fulfill this promise only if America builds a world-class Internet infrastructure. We need to build an ever faster Internet in order to compete effectively in the world, create good jobs here at home, and meet the needs of our citizens. This mission is extremely important and Congress has an essential role in ensuring that such an infrastructure is built.

If you care about this issue, join thousands of other Americans who have signed on to protect Net Neutrality and learn what we can do as a community to advance it.