To the Editor:

Your article about network management (“F.C.C. Weighing Limits on Slowing Web Traffic,” Business Day, Feb. 26) didn’t mention how the broadband regulations suggested by a few at the Federal Communications Commission would undermine one of the most important goals that African-American civil rights organizations share: achieving 100 percent access to affordable broadband for people of color.

Unfortunately, that goal is at risk from the looming threat of bandwidth congestion because of a few heavy users of peer-to-peer technology. If Congress were to mandate that network operators essentially observe Internet congestion, consumers would be faced with either sluggish/interrupted Internet access or pay unreasonable new fees and charges.

Therefore, the only responsible action is for Internet service providers to engage in content-neutral and transparent management of their broadband networks that protects not just free speech, but also the opportunity of affordable broadband unperturbed by the few peer-to-peer users.

We’re pleased to see that the F.C.C. is reviewing the network management issue and look forward to a reasonable and appropriate finding.