"It would give corporate executives free reign to slow down and censor news or websites that don't match their political agenda." (Photo: Free Press/Flickr/cc)
Tell The FCC Not To End Net Neutrality!
In the modern age, unfettered access to the internet is essential to a vibrant democracy and strong economy.
The FCC is voting Thursday on whether to repeal the "Net Neutrality" rule adopted in 2015.
Since its creation, the internet has been an open exchange of ideas and information, free from corporate control and influence. But corporations could soon have tremendous power over what we can access and share online, ending the internet as we know it.
In 2015, the FCC passed a landmark rule that prevents internet service providers from favoring some sites over others - slowing down connections or charging customers a fee for streaming or other services. It gave Americans equal access to all the content that's available on the internet - videos, social media, e-commerce sites, etc - at the same speeds.
Now, though, Donald Trump's handpicked chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Ajit Pai, wants to abolish "Net Neutrality." He wants to give telecommunications giants like Comcast, Verizon and AT&T the upper hand.
Pai - himself a former Verizon executive - defends the rollback by "Under my proposal, the federal government will stop micromanaging the internet." Baloney. His plan would be a huge gift to cable companies. It would:
1. Drive up prices for internet service. Broadband providers could charge customers higher rates to access certain sites, or raise rates for internet companies to reach consumers faster speeds. Either way, these prices hikes would be passed along to you and me.
2. Give corporate executives free reign to slow down and censor news or websites that don't match their political agenda, or give preference to their own content - for any reason at all.
3. Stifle innovation. Cable companies could severely hurt their competitors by blocking certain apps or online services. Small businesses who can't afford to pay higher rates could be squeezed out altogether.
Broadband providers claim that Net Neutrality rules actually hurts consumers because it discourages investment in their networks.
Rubbish. Since Net Neutrality was adopted, investment has remained consistent. During calls with investors, telecom executives themselves have even admitted that Net Neutrality hasn't hurt their businesses.
In the modern age, unfettered access to the internet is essential to a vibrant democracy and strong economy.
There's still time. Please help stop this corporate power grab over what we can say and do online.
We are at a crossroads
This country and this world are at a monumental crossroads. In a few short weeks, US voters will have an opportunity to beat back the forces of fascism and confront the billionaires who are rigging the economy, our media system, and our democracy, making it increasingly impossible for ordinary people to get by. We’re not just talking about the election. We’re talking about what must be done once these fascist elements are vanquished from power. We need a bolder set of solutions than what either major party has so far been willing to offer and a working-class movement ready to fight like hell for it. Trump didn't emerge from nowhere. The conditions that fueled MAGA authoritarianism were created by decades of radical neoliberal economic policies and a corrupt political system dominated by corporate interests. They slashed taxes on the super-rich, promising that the benefits would trickle down. They said giveaways to the corporate titans would make life more affordable for the rest of us. It was all bullshit. And when a bitter, betrayed populace searches for someone to blame, right-wing demagogues have little trouble finding scapegoats. People know when they're being lied to, but you won't hear any of this from the corporate media. Only independent journalism—powered and funded by people who believe in building a better world—can deliver truly trustworthy daily news. Our Fall Campaign is underway, and we need your help. To power our newsroom through the rest of the year, we need to raise $125,000 by midnight on October 31. So if you share our vision, please contribute whatever you can to sustain our work. |
The FCC is voting Thursday on whether to repeal the "Net Neutrality" rule adopted in 2015.
Since its creation, the internet has been an open exchange of ideas and information, free from corporate control and influence. But corporations could soon have tremendous power over what we can access and share online, ending the internet as we know it.
In 2015, the FCC passed a landmark rule that prevents internet service providers from favoring some sites over others - slowing down connections or charging customers a fee for streaming or other services. It gave Americans equal access to all the content that's available on the internet - videos, social media, e-commerce sites, etc - at the same speeds.
Now, though, Donald Trump's handpicked chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Ajit Pai, wants to abolish "Net Neutrality." He wants to give telecommunications giants like Comcast, Verizon and AT&T the upper hand.
Pai - himself a former Verizon executive - defends the rollback by "Under my proposal, the federal government will stop micromanaging the internet." Baloney. His plan would be a huge gift to cable companies. It would:
1. Drive up prices for internet service. Broadband providers could charge customers higher rates to access certain sites, or raise rates for internet companies to reach consumers faster speeds. Either way, these prices hikes would be passed along to you and me.
2. Give corporate executives free reign to slow down and censor news or websites that don't match their political agenda, or give preference to their own content - for any reason at all.
3. Stifle innovation. Cable companies could severely hurt their competitors by blocking certain apps or online services. Small businesses who can't afford to pay higher rates could be squeezed out altogether.
Broadband providers claim that Net Neutrality rules actually hurts consumers because it discourages investment in their networks.
Rubbish. Since Net Neutrality was adopted, investment has remained consistent. During calls with investors, telecom executives themselves have even admitted that Net Neutrality hasn't hurt their businesses.
In the modern age, unfettered access to the internet is essential to a vibrant democracy and strong economy.
There's still time. Please help stop this corporate power grab over what we can say and do online.
The FCC is voting Thursday on whether to repeal the "Net Neutrality" rule adopted in 2015.
Since its creation, the internet has been an open exchange of ideas and information, free from corporate control and influence. But corporations could soon have tremendous power over what we can access and share online, ending the internet as we know it.
In 2015, the FCC passed a landmark rule that prevents internet service providers from favoring some sites over others - slowing down connections or charging customers a fee for streaming or other services. It gave Americans equal access to all the content that's available on the internet - videos, social media, e-commerce sites, etc - at the same speeds.
Now, though, Donald Trump's handpicked chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Ajit Pai, wants to abolish "Net Neutrality." He wants to give telecommunications giants like Comcast, Verizon and AT&T the upper hand.
Pai - himself a former Verizon executive - defends the rollback by "Under my proposal, the federal government will stop micromanaging the internet." Baloney. His plan would be a huge gift to cable companies. It would:
1. Drive up prices for internet service. Broadband providers could charge customers higher rates to access certain sites, or raise rates for internet companies to reach consumers faster speeds. Either way, these prices hikes would be passed along to you and me.
2. Give corporate executives free reign to slow down and censor news or websites that don't match their political agenda, or give preference to their own content - for any reason at all.
3. Stifle innovation. Cable companies could severely hurt their competitors by blocking certain apps or online services. Small businesses who can't afford to pay higher rates could be squeezed out altogether.
Broadband providers claim that Net Neutrality rules actually hurts consumers because it discourages investment in their networks.
Rubbish. Since Net Neutrality was adopted, investment has remained consistent. During calls with investors, telecom executives themselves have even admitted that Net Neutrality hasn't hurt their businesses.
In the modern age, unfettered access to the internet is essential to a vibrant democracy and strong economy.
There's still time. Please help stop this corporate power grab over what we can say and do online.