Access-fee bill roils Net phone industry. Telecoms defend premium charge; others fear it will stifle innovation

As Congress debates disputed Internet neutrality laws, supporters and defenders of the concept of equal pricing for all on the Web faced off yesterday at the VON (Voice Over the Net) trade show in Boston.

Jonathan Banks, vice president for regulatory affairs at telecommunications company BellSouth Corp., said it’s only fair that his company should charge extra to Internet firms that want a superior level of high-speed service. Net neutrality laws “will kind of put the kibosh on that kind of innovative pricing," said Banks, causing telecom companies to invest less money in broadband technology.

But Susan Crawford, associate professor at Yeshiva University’s Cardozo Law School, said that BellSouth’s innovation would freeze out many new Internet companies that would be unable to pay for access to the premium online service. “Society as a whole requires that the Internet allow for the greatest diversity possible," said Crawford.

By Hiawatha Bray, Globe Staff

Full Story: http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2006/09/14/access_fee_bill_roils_net_phone_industry/