WASHINGTON — A Wall Street Journal article today reports that industry negotiations on network neutrality are underway once again, this time led by DC-based technology lobbying group Information Technology Industry Council. The talks reportedly involve Microsoft, Cisco, Skype, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, AT&T, and Verizon.

Andrew Jay Schwartzman, Senior Vice President and Policy Director of Media Access Project, issued the following statement in response to the article:

“These ‘negotiations’ are illegitimate. They do not involve representatives of people who use the Internet for free expression and commerce, and they lack representation from the infant businesses that depend on an open Internet to build the future Ciscos, Microsofts, and Skypes.

“The public does not need more time-consuming deliberations. The FCC should take prompt action to assert its authority over broadband providers’ network management practices, without further delay.”