The already-widespread criticism of the “suggested legislative framework” by Google and Verizon has further intensified, with four well-connected Democratic members of Congress - Edward Markey, Anna Eshoo, Mike Doyle, and Jay Inslee – recently dispatching an open letter to FCC chairman Julius Genachowski to assert their opposition to the Google-Verizon proposal.

With Google defending its flip-flop stance on the principles of net neutrality, and AT&T also joining the fray by endorsing the industry-sided Google-Verizon proposal, the four members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet, said that the proposal comes from “two large communications companies with a vested financial interest in the outcome”; and declared that “formal FCC action is needed.”

The letter said: “The recent proposal by Google and Verizon of an industry-centered net neutrality policy framework reinforces the need for resolution of the current open proceedings at the Federal Communications Commission to ensure the maintenance of an open Internet.”

According to the four members of Congress, in the greater interest of the public, it is essential that a “free and open Internet” continues to remain a crucial platform for innovation, investment, entrepreneurship, as well as free speech.

The signers of the letter outlined four “fundamental principles” that should guide the FFC’s broadband-regulation deliberations. While they suggested that oversight authority for broadband access services, and common regulatory framework and rules for wired and wireless services; they also cautioned that paid prioritization and broad “managed services” exceptions will adversely affect the open Internet rules.