Internet Freedom Threatened
Many people are not aware that the independence of the Internet --- a democratic, free and open communication system --- is threatened by big telephone and communication companies.
The companies’ goal is to gain preferential uses of broadband networks to increase their profits and to have the power to limit access to ordinary users.
Fortunately, advocates of Internet freedom have --- temporarily at least --- won the first battle in what could be a long-term struggle. The victory resulted from a decision by the Federal Communications Commission
In a case involving the communications giant AT&T.
The decision involved AT&T’s proposed merger with BellSouth, a deal that requires FCC approval. Under the decision, AT&T agreed to “maintain a neutral network and neutral routing in its wire line broadband Internet access service” --- but only for two years.
The agreement followed extensive negotiations in which the two Democratic members of the commission --- Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein --- strongly opposed the company’s proposal. The FCC also received thousands of letters from SavetheInternet.com and other groups opposing the AT&T plan.
The next stage of the battle will be fought in Congress, where some leaders have proposed bipartisan legislation --- the Internet Freedom Preservation Act --- which would guarantee net neutrality.
According to SavetheInternet.com, “the network’s only job is to move data --- not choose which data to privilege with higher quality service. Net Neutrality prevents the companies that control the wires from discriminating against content based on its source or ownership.”
The SavetheInternet.com Coalition includes hundreds of organizations, liberal and conservative, that are fighting to protect a free and independent service that has marvelously expanded freedom of communication.
A few examples of the coalition members include Common Cause, the American Library Association, the American Civil Liberties Association, Gun Owners of America, MoveOn,org Civic Action, Consumer Federation of America, Women’s Institute for Freedom of the Press and Parents Television Council.
The Internet is one of the few institutions of any kind that can be used freely by anyone regardless of social status, income, education level, creed or color. It is a vital source of news and information and an outlet for opinions of all varieties.
Network Neutrality is the First Amendment of the Internet. It would be a tragedy if the system were converted into a profit-making network controlled by big corporations and not fully accessible to current users.
All those who subscribe to that belief should communicate it to their senators and representatives as soon as possible.
More information on the issue can be found at SavetheInternet.com.
