Industry group says 'significant progress' on net neutrality talks

Information Technology Industry Council President and Chief Executive Officer Dean Garfield issued a progress report on Tuesday about his group's efforts to find some middle ground among stakeholders battling over network neutrality, saying there has been "significant progress" while declining to provide any details.

ITIC convened the talks to find consensus on the open Internet issue after Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski moved in May to shore up the commission's authority over broadband providers after a federal appeals court ruled in April the agency had overstepped its authority in sanctioning Comcast for violating FCC network neutrality principles. Genachowski's "third way" proposal, which is staunchly opposed by broadband providers and backed by some Web firms and public Interest groups, calls for reclassifying some aspects of broadband as a telecommunications service.

"As we work to reach final consensus, we're focused on solidifying what unites us, incorporating new ideas and viewpoints, and, above all, delivering a series of constructive, pro-consumer and innovation-based principles that will only strengthen the Internet as we know it today," Garfield said in a statement. "Past precedent shows that when we work together and integrate the best ideas in a coordinated fashion, the stronger the outcome."

Earlier this month, Google and Verizon released a policy framework they billed as their attempt to find a middle ground on the issue but has so far been widely criticized by network neutrality supporters who want the FCC to impose rules that would bar broadband providers from discriminating against Internet content.

Garfield's group represents tech firms such as Apple, IBM, Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp., which haven't been as vocal in the network neutrality debate. He said he is optimistic that "there will be ample common ground on which to find a meaningful and consensus-based solution" from the "multiphase process" his group is helping to lead.

Net neutrality supporter Free Press has dismissed ITIC's efforts, saying earlier this month that "industry deal-making is no substitute for responsible policymaking."