The FCC Should Not Give Broadband Providers the Keys to Your Internet Freedom

My fellow FCC Commissioners would benefit from hosting their own public forums and listening to the concerns raised by consumers and small businesses. Doing so would allow them to hear first-hand on what it means to access the internet without fear that their broadband provider will slow down or block their favorite online applications and services. My colleagues would benefit from hearing concerns about broadband providers’ poor service, surprise price hikes, and inadequate customer support, so, why won’t they? If the federal government is not willing to stand by these basic protections, surely states and localities will step in to fill the gap? Sadly, the Chairman’s proposal tramples over the rights of these communities and will actually prevent them from adopting any related consumer protections — an action I believe is likely unlawful and will no doubt be litigated in court. Now it is time to listen but if the FCC’s majority is unwilling to take this simple step, then the most responsible way forward is for the Chairman to withdraw his proposal prior to the December 14th scheduled vote. Consumers and small businesses count on the FCC to be the standard bearer when it comes to upholding and protecting the public interest. We should to do the right thing. We ought to listen to what the American people are saying. We must stand up, speak out and work to ensure that the internet remains a platform for innovation and free expression in the decades to come.


The FCC Should Not Give Broadband Providers the Keys to Your Internet Freedom