Officials: Competition, commercial agreements should govern Internet

American officials on Wednesday submitted more detailed proposals for preserving a collaborative system of governing the Internet.

Officials have expressed concerns that international telecommunications treaty negotiations in December could be used to give the United Nations or other governments more control over the Internet.

In general proposals released in August, the State Department outlined plans focused almost entirely on preventing a more government-centered system of Internet governance.

Now officials have submitted more detailed proposals that focus on competition and commercial agreements, rather than regulation, as the most successful model for exchanging international telecommunications traffic.

"Broadband access needs to flourish, and for broadband to flourish, you need to create an environment for success, with consumer choice, commercially negotiated agreements, and a vibrant and effective multi-stakeholder governance model," Ambassador Terry Kramer, head of the U.S. delegation, said in a statement.

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