Take action: Keep the internet free and open
There’s no good way to say it: we lost a major battle recently.
For years, large telecoms like Verizon have fought for the right to prioritize internet content, awarding digital “express lanes” to the highest bidder - and slowing service for everyone else.
What that means is if you love streaming movies online or listening to music on your phone - you can expect prices to go up as those services pass the cost of the toll on to you.
The Federal Communications Commission sought to prevent these sweetheart deals, but a federal court slapped them down. The court ruled that the FCC cannot prevent these sort of sweetheart deals, saying in essence that there’s no one left to protect net neutrality.
Frustrating? You bet. But this fight is far from over.
The FCC has some options, including appealing the decision – and FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler is exploring them.
At stake is the future of the internet -- and whether it remains a free, fair, and open channel for all Americans; or whether it becomes another place where the wealthy and well-connected get better service. This one is too important to ignore.
Senator Ron Wyden
