The previous FCC action under the Bush Administration appointees' majority control to change the definition of broadband to primarily an information service allowed a truly terrible court decision that, if allowed to stand, would take away the FCC's ability to regulate broadband in the public interest. But that definition of the Internet and broadband is deeply flawed.
The Internet is NOT just an information service. It's far bigger than that. It has become the public square of America, where conversation occurs and information and opinion is exchanged. As such, access to it must continue to be open, low-cost, and free of corporate tollbooths and gatekeepers.
Without strong Net Neutrality protections and the ability for the FCC to enforce them, the Internet will cease to be a public platform for free speech, equal opportunity, economic growth and innovation. Instead, companies like AT＆T, Verizon and Comcast, which have a commercial incentive to limit the free-flowing Web, will decide whose voices are heard. Those corporations have already infringed on their customers rights in the past and blocked content. Strong consumer protections are essential to maintain.
America historically has subsidized the building of infrastructure for transportation and communication, and then regulated it in the public interest so that goods, services, and information could flow freely. That provided equality of economic and educational opportunity absolutely vital for the development of our robust and innovative economy.
Allowing corporations to rule the roost with regard to the Internet violates deep American values and economic principles that have been a key to our success and prosperity.
Congress charged the FCC to regulate communications and telecommunications in the public interest. The FCC still has the power to protect the public interest. Both law and legal precedent support that. Please raise your voice and be heard. Join the push to get millions of people doing so too. We have to ensure that the FCC can keep the Internet open, accessible, and affordable for all the people - not just to serve corporate bottom lines. Maximum profits are not the most important value for a democratic society. The free flow of information and goods is what matters most of all. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/2gxwzuu
