Banks Join the Net Neutrality Battle
Last week, the House Committee on Energy & Commerce defeated an ammendment to a telecommunications bill that would have given the FCC the authority to protect net neutrality. This is a victory for the big telecoms, who want the ability to control what you see on the internet. They want to be able to charge businesses fees for preferential treatment. A website that doesn’t pay won’t get delivered at high speeds, or maybe not even at all. If they have thier way, the internet experience that you enjoy now will change drastically.
A grass roots movement, begun before last week’s vote, aims to convince Congress to ignore the telecoms and protect net neutrality. Groups like MoveOn.org and the Save the Internet Coalition, internet powerhouses like Google and Yahoo, entertainers like Alysa Milano and Mr. Lif, and normal people like me who just love a free internet, are taking up arms against the telcos. Now, the financial sector is realizing the potential threat to their busniess models and are joining the fight.
This is a serious issue that affects all internet users. Those who create internet content will be stifled if they can’t afford to pay for preferential delivery. Those who only surf the net will lose the freedom of choice they now enjoy when some of their favorite websites are no longer available at high speeds, if at all. It is crucial that Congress pass a law to protect net neutrality. If you enjoy your freedom and think the internet should be protected, join the fight now. Go to MoveOn.org or SaveTheInternet.com and use their services to contact your representatives. Spread the word to your friends. Protect net neutrality.