HUH? WHAT HE SAY?

Tech Link has an excerpt from a statement by Mike Dewine today at the Senate Judiciary Committee. The subject is net neutrality and video franchising. What the Senator means to say about these issues (due to be addressed in a Commerce Committee markup on June 22) I'll leave it to you to figure out. Good luck.

For example, we have heard a lot lately about net neutrality. Many of the internet service providers, including many phone and cable companies, have expressed an interest in finding new ways to "manage their networks." The net neutrality debate revolves around how, and how much, the network providers can control the way their networks are used. It also involves who pays, and how much they pay, for using those networks. We must address this issue carefully. We may well be at an inflection point, a point at which the future of the internet is determined. Action or inaction may dictate the degree of investment and the pace of competition and innovation generated by the Internet for years to come. This committee must make every effort to ensure that the legal framework for this industry provides the best possible platform for competition and innovation.

Another important issue that must be addressed is the process for video franchising. As the phone companies enter into video services, they tell us that the current franchise requirements delay how quickly they can enter specific markets and begin to provide another choice for consumers. At the same time, the cable companies - who were required to get franchises in each of the towns and cities they serve - argue that all the players in this industry should be treated the same, regardless of the technology they use. At some point soon we must resolve these conflicting views of the market, and we must do it in a way that encourages free and fair competition.

Uh-huh. And apple pie is great, especially with ice cream on it.

Josh Marshall lists both Dewine and Voinovich as "fingers in the wind" on the net neutrality issue (by which Josh means the Snowe/Dorgan "Internet Freedom Preservation Act"). Sounds about right. Blow in Senator Dewine's direction here.