Google/Verizon Proposal Fails, FCC Must Act

In a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski, Media and Democracy Coalition members highlighted how a policy proposal from Google and Verizon fails to protect the Open Internet. The groups call on the FCC to act swiftly to oversee broadband and adopt strong Open Internet rules.

The groups argue that:

1) The Google/Verizon policy proposal is not adequately enforceable,
2) Wireless Internet connectivity must not be exempted from non-discrimination rules and other openness principles, and
3) "Additional Online Services" must not be allowed to cannibalize the Internet and become a loophole for paid prioritization.

The groups conclude: "The Google/Verizon announcement does not in any way alleviate the need for the Commission to act to protect consumers, small businesses, students, creators, innovators, investors and others that depend on an open, vibrant Internet. We urge the Commission to act swiftly to issue an order classifying broadband as Title II telecommunications service, and under that authority, adopt open Internet principles that are truly in the public interest."