The Open Internet Blog

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15TH, 2009 AT 4:28 PM
The Open Internet Blog
Posted by Julius Genachowski
Cross-posted from OpenInternet.gov/blog.

The Internet's open architecture has enabled this network of networks to become a unparalleled platform for innovation and speech, as well as an enduring engine for economic growth. Last month, I proposed that the FCC adopt a fair and high-level framework to preserve an open Internet. While my goals are clear, the path to achieving them involves many hard questions about how best to maximize the innovation and investment necessary for a robust and thriving Internet. Getting input from all stakeholders will be important as the Commission begins to address many critical questions. That is why we launched OpenInternet.gov. We wanted to create a place where people could join the discussion about the open Internet. While OpenInternet.gov is still in Beta, we are encouraged that thousands of visitors have already used the site to watch my speech proposing open Internet principles and more than 500 people have offered comments.

Today, we are expanding the ways people can use OpenInternet.gov to participate in this discussion by launching the site’s blog. Visitors to this blog will be able to find expert commentary from FCC staff on how best to preserve the Internet’s openness and questions that arise during this debate. Our staff hopes to use this forum not only to share ideas but also to receive them. We encourage all visitors to weigh in with their own thoughts and engage in an open dialogue.

The blog will also offer timely information on the FCC's latest activities to preserve an open Internet. On that front, we have an important announcement to make. Next Thursday, October 22, my fellow Commissioners and I will be hosting a meeting at the FCC’s headquarters to begin the process of establishing rules to preserve the Internet's openness. These proceedings will be open to the public and streamed live on this site. Please check it out, and let us know what you think.

This blog is just the latest piece of an agency-wide effort to engage the public. We hope you will take advantage of it and keep coming back. Come by and let us know what you think.


Julius Genachowski is the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission