According to the Republican Arizona senator, the proposed rules announced yesterday by the FCC, which would prohibit broadband providers from selectively blocking or slowing Internet content and applications, are a sign of “government takeover.”
In a written statement, McCain said that the FCC’s proposed rules would stifle Internet innovation and would depress an “already anemic” job market in the U.S.
"Today I'm pleased to introduce the Internet Freedom Act of 2009 that will keep the Internet free from government control and regulation," McCain said in his statement. "It will allow for continued innovation that will in turn create more high-paying jobs for the millions of Americans who are out of work or seeking new employment. Keeping businesses free from oppressive regulations is the best stimulus for the current economy."
McCain specifically stood up against the inclusion of wireless broadband providers in the net neutrality rules, saying that lack of government regulation was the reason why the wireless industry has exploded in past 20 years.
McCain was the Republican challenger to President Barack Obama in last year’s election. According to reports, Obama calls net neutrality among his top tech priorities.
Despite the dissent of the FCC’s two Republican commissioners that said they are opposed to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski’s proposal, yesterday they voted to begin the formal rule-making process.
Net neutrality rules are meant to ensure broadband subscribers access to legal sites and services that compete with the broadband companies’ core businesses.