Net Neutrality Update

Let's review.  Net neutrality is the long-held idea that all internet data/traffic should be treated and delivered equally.  (See the link below.)  The FCC enforced the concept, but Big Cable/Telecom ISP's like AT&T, Verizon, ComCast, Time Warner, Cox, and WOW have always hated net neutrality.  They want to establish for-pay internet "fast lanes".  Since bandwidth is finite, this would necessarily create "slow lanes" too.  Not net neutral, not consumer-friendly.  Your internet access would morph into a clone of your cable TV service -- basic internet for one price, with "premium" websites for an extra fee.

After a successful lawsuit which held that the FCC has no authority to enforce net neutrality (because ISP's are "information services", not "telecommunications"), the Big ISP's put their fast-lane proposal before the FCC.  At about the same time, President Obama appointed Tom Wheeler as the new Chairman of the FCC.  This seemed to be bad news because Mr. Wheeler had been a career lobbyist for . . . the cable industry.

As HBO's John Oliver put it, "Putting Tom Wheeler in charge of the FCC is like needing a babysitter and hiring a dingo."  Oliver, among others, also got the word out about the FCC's public comment period, open prior to their decision on the Big ISP's proposal.  (See the link below.)

The FCC got a record 3.7 million comments on this issue, with the vast majority in favor of maintaining true net neutrality.

A week ago Wheeler announced his surprising decision.  He's whole-heartedly in favor of net neutrality and will continue to enforce it by reclassifying the internet as a telecommunications service.  The FCC will regulate the internet as a public utility, just like telephone companies.  (Wheeler's stance awaits full FCC approval later this month, and the OK is a rubber-stamp foregone conclusion.)

This exactly what consumers and content providers were hoping for, and the exact opposite of what the Big ISP's and their Republican foot soldiers wanted.

(I sent Sen. Rob Portman a note stating my support of net neutrality and asking for him to do the same.  I won't bore you with all of his pathetic reply, but he starts by hailing "limited government intervention," so you pretty much know immediately where he stands.  He's worried that "increased regulation" could be "harmful to internet users" and "disrupt freedom and opportunity for economic growth."  What a load of boilerplate horseshit!  Robbie Portman is a spineless sell-out, owned by Big Cable/Telecom, the NRA, and anyone else with a really fat checkbook.)

But this little battle ain't over yet.  The Big Cable/Telecom industry says it will sue to overturn this latest FCC ruling, and get themselves back to being unregulated information services.  And some GOP reps on the Hill are already proposing bad bills which would unwind it legislatively.

But just like 3.7 million comments got Tom Wheeler's attention, maybe we can put the full-court press on some of our elected officials, and maybe they can persuade the ISP's and their droogies to back off.

Below are links to your representatives in D.C. (key in your info), and to an online petition (just one of many).  If you're so inclined.  And if you value your favorite cat videos.


http://bustergammons.blogspot.com/2014/01/no-more-net-neutrality-can-busters-blog.html

http://bustergammons.blogspot.com/2014/06/john-oliver-nails-it-on-net-neutrality.html

http://campaigns.dailykos.com/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=1185

http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/dont_mess_with_FCC/?t=2&akid=5861.2744330.3ou0di