Coalitions Representing Communities of Color Call on FCC to Apply Network Neutrality Rules to Wireless Networks

In comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission, almost thirty organizations, including members of Latinos for Internet Freedom and the Media Action Grassroots Network, called on the agency to apply Network Neutrality rules to all Internet access platforms, including on wireless networks.

People of color are among the fastest growing constituencies in the United States and the most active users of the mobile Internet and many rely exclusively on their cell phones and other mobile devices to get online. Communities of color use their mobile devices as a primary tool for activism, community engagement and democratic participation, from defending the rights of immigrants to registering to vote. Communities of color would be adversely affected if the Commission fails to extend open Internet protections to mobile wireless Internet access. The groups also expressed concern that "specialized" services could threaten the future of an open Internet, and called on the FCC to open up a separate proceeding to examine the issue.