“Open internet” has become one of those political catch-phrases like “freedom” or “innovation” that enjoys universal support but is rapidly losing any real meaning. Consider, for instance, the new broadband bill trotted out on Friday by Republicans with a press release that promises “open and unfettered access to the Internet.”

The bill itself, which comes as the FCC prepares to vote February 26 on new rules for the internet, contains language intended to address consumers’ fears that telecom giants like AT&T want to remake the web so as to favor the delivery of some websites over others.

The preamble, in particular, contains strong words that will ring familiar to net neutrality advocates (my emphasis):

ensure Internet openness, to prohibit blocking lawful content and non-harmful devices, to prohibit throttling data, to prohibit paid prioritization, to require transparency of network management practices

And the text of the bill, proposed by Sen. John Thune (R-SD) and Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), drives the point home by…