Internet giants suffer defeat in US Congress

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2006

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US Internet giants have suffered a defeat in the US Congress where an amendment on "Internet neutrality" was rejected by a Senate committee studying telecommunications reform.

Aimed at preventing network operators from charging an additional fee to websites seeking quicker and more effective connections for their users, the amendment failed Wednesday to gain a majority in the committee, which deadlocked 11-11.

However, the issue was to be examined by the Senate during its debate on telecommunications reform, the date for which has not been set.

Democratic Senator Byron Dorgan, one of the key promoters of "Internet neutrality," has vowed to continue his efforts.

"Any telecommunications legislation adopted by the Senate must preserve...