Not only is the newly introduced Barton Broadband Bill (discussed yesterday) now stripped of network neutrality provisions it contained last fall, critics say it limits the FCC's authority to act, should problems arise. Internet Giants such as Yahoo, Microsoft, Google, and others have rallied, says the Washington Post and are begging lawmakers to act. "We are extremely concerned that legislation before your committee would fail to protect the Internet from discrimination and would deny consumers unfettered access," says a letter from the companies to lawmakers.

The bill is also being criticized by Rep. Edward Markey, who says the bill "would allow phone companies to ignore low-income communities and at some point allow cable incumbents to withdraw service from less-affluent areas," reports Multi-Channel News. Consumer advocates are likewise unimpressed, reports Internet News. The steep divisions could mean no new broadband laws are passed this year.