The Net neutality debate got another boost Monday when FCC chairman Julius Genachowski proposed the addition of two Internet policy principles that would require reasonable and transparent network management.

The Net neutality debate got another boost Monday when FCC chairman Julius Genachowski proposed the addition of two Internet policy principles that would require reasonable and transparent network management.

"The Internet is an extraordinary platform for innovation, job creation, investment, and opportunity. It has unleashed the potential of entrepreneurs and enabled the launch and growth of small businesses across America," Genachowski said during at event at the Brookings Institute. "It is vital that we safeguard the free and open Internet."

Genachowski proposed expanding the FCC's Internet policy principles, a set of four principles released by the agency in 2005 that serve as a framework for broadband Internet access.

The first addition would prevent ISPs from discriminating against particular Internet content or applications, while allowing for reasonable network management.

"This means they cannot block or degrade lawful traffic over their networks, or pick winners by favoring some content or applications over others in the connection to subscribers' homes with a similar service offered by that broadband provider," Genachowski said. "The Internet must continue to allow users to decide what content and applications succeed."

The second addition would ensure that ISPs are transparent about network management.

Genachowski also wants to clarify that these principles apply to all platforms that access the Internet.

The chairman will formally unveil these suggestions at the FCC's October meeting via a notice of proposed rulemaking. Stakeholders will have an opportunity to share their thoughts on the proposal, including what they consider to be reasonable network management.

"We've already seen some clear examples of deviations from the Internet's historic openness," Genachowski said.

The idea of network management first made headlines in 2007, when Comcast was accused of blocking access to file-sharing Web sites. Last year, the FCC handed down an enforcement action against Comcast, which required the cable provider to be more transparent about its policies.

Comcast argued that the FCC's Internet Policy Principles were unenforceable because they have not been adopted as official FCC rules, and they are appealing the commission's ruling.

"Greater transparency will give consumers the confidence of knowing that they're getting the service they've paid for, enable innovators to make their offerings work effectively over the Internet, and allow policymakers to ensure that broadband providers are preserving the Internet as a level playing field," Genachowsk said.

Detractors have argued that Net neutrality rules will stifle innovation and investment, a notion Genachowski shot down Monday.

"History's lesson is clear: Ensuring a robust and open Internet is the best thing we can do to promote investment and innovation," he said. "And while there are some who see every policy decision as either pro-business or pro-consumer, I reject that approach; it's not the right way to see technology's role in America."

"We welcome the dialogue suggested by the chairman in his comments, and we completely agree that any consideration of new 'rules of the road' begin with notice and an open, public rulemaking proceeding  this is both fair and appropriate," Comcast executive vice president David L. Cohen wrote in a Monday blog post. "But before we rush into a new regulatory environment for the Internet, let's remember there can be no doubt that the Internet has enjoyed immense growth even as these debates have gone on."

Editor's Note: This story was updated at 11:30 am Eastern time with additional comments from Genachowski and Comcast.