The FCC is proposing a series of rules intended to preserve open access to the Internet.

Preserving Net neutrality is a necessary step because in the absence of strong guidance, telecommunications firms are likely to regulate traffic on their networks according to their own self-interest. Already, Comcast and the FCC are at odds over the firm’s efforts to block some forms of Internet file-sharing.

The FCC relied on general principals in an order to Comcast last summer, protecting lawful Internet traffic from interference. The company has appealed the decision, claiming that the agency exceeded its authority. It is clear that the idea of Net neutrality ”“ once taken for granted ”“ now needs to be guaranteed by formal and specific regulations.

Net neutrality became a controversial issue during the Bush administration, and in 2006, advocates struggled and failed to pass legislation mandating open access to the Internet. Opponents painted this goal as an attack on the freedom of the Internet. But although Net neutrality would impose new regulations, its aim is to preserve the freedom and open access under which the network has grown and flourished.

Internet service providers like Comcast have an understandable desire to control what they see as their own Internet turf. They would like to limit competition, like television programming delivered online, for instance. They are also pressing for the freedom to give a high-speed advantage to companies willing to pay a premium.

But this isn’t the kind of freedom that supported the innovation and ambition that created today’s Internet. And it isn’t the freedom that allowed creative entrepreneurs, Google among them, to prosper.

Critics warn about the unintended consequences that new rules may bring, and this is an issue worth debating. It is unfortunately true that some applications use more than their fair share of bandwidth, slowing down service for all. And it is reasonable to wonder how any agency can foresee the impact of rules on the ever-evolving online world.

But battles among competing interests are sure to grow, and regulatory muscle will become increasingly important to protecting freedom and innovation online. The Internet has already become quite regulated by those who do business there, and the FCC has a legitimate interest in protecting the nation’s interests.

The agency’s proposal is just the starting point for the hard work of drafting specific regulations. It won’t be an easy task, and we hope FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski can honor his pledge to approach it with a light touch.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen Schulze Muszynski or Nick Cowenhoven at 282-1535 or kristenm@journaltribune.com or nickc@journaltribune.com.