The Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Efficiency Act of 2006 (COPE) is expected to be voted on by the House Energy and Commerce Committee this week.  COPE's primary aim is to create a national franchise for video providers, but also addresses network neutrality, e911 and municipal broadband. The bill offers some improvements for PEG access channels over Indiana's new statewide video franchising law, including specifically designated funding. But COPE doesn't provide network neutrality -- an open free internet:

Congress is pushing a law that would abandon the Internet's First Amendment -- a principle called "Network neutrality" that prevents companies like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast from deciding which Web sites work best for you -- based on what site pays them the most. Your local library shouldn’t have to outbid Barnes & Noble for the right to have its Web site open quickly on your computer.

Net Neutrality allows everyone to compete on a level playing field and is the reason that the Internet is a force for economic innovation, civic participation and free speech. If the public doesn't speak up now, Congress will cave to a multi-million dollar lobbying campaign by telephone and cable companies that want to decide what you do, where you go, and what you watch online.

www.savetheinternet.com

The Full Committee will meet in an OPEN MARKUP SESSION viewable on the web at http://energycommerce.house.gov/108/Markups/04252006markup1848.htm (RealMedia viewer required). On Tuesday, April 25, 2006, the Committee will convene at 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of opening statements. The Committee will reconvene on Wednesday, April 26, 2006, at 10:00 a.m.

More information:

The Alliance for Community Media's testimony on COPE (pdf)

Common Cause summary and opposition

Save the Internet Campaign

The Empire Strikes Back: Astroturfing Network Neutrality