3.+Developments

On January 6 2009, Senator Harry Reid introduced the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (S. 1). The bill sets aside billions to connect more Americans to broadband networks and requires that the largest chunk, $4.7 billion, be spent building networks that abide by Net Neutrality. This was a very important move since it would allow more people to connect to the internet at broadband speeds while protecting net neutrality. On February 5 2009, Norway's Post and Telecommunications Authority oversaw a working group of ISPs and consumer organization that has hashed out a set of network neutrality principles for the country. Though voluntary, they already appeared to command broad support. This was an important milestone since it exemplified the net neutrality standard for other countries. On May 11 2009 FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz suggests FTC could start enforcing net-neutrality rules; clearly an important gesture for defendants. Following that, on June 26 2009, the U.S. Senate confirms Julius Genachowski, a strong proponent of Net Neutrality, to be the influential chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Thus, on August 26 2009 Julius Genachowski, now the FCC chairman, tells The Hill that his agency will support “net neutrality” and go after anyone who violates its tenets - another strong message aiding the defense of net neutrality. Finally, on February 17 2010, Congress announced that the final U.S. Broadband Plan is due to be unveiled to Congress in the near future.