netBlazr CEO Jim Hanley wrote to Representative Michael Capuano (D-MA7) and asked about his position on net neutrality. Here was his response:
Dear Mr. Hanley,
Thank you for contacting my office regarding net neutrality. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this issue. I am vehemently opposed to all attempts to end net neutrality and am especially troubled by the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent actions.
As you are aware, on December 14th, 2017 the FCC voted to repeal net neutrality rules, despite overwhelming opposition and clear evidence that the FCC comment system was compromised. Despite demands from me and numerous Attorneys General, including Massachusetts AG Maura Healey, to delay the vote and investigate fake comments that were submitted to the FCC supporting repeal, the agency proceeded as planned. Posting inaccurate or false comments is a shocking abuse of the citizen input process that is essential to open government.
Net neutrality rules require internet service providers (ISPs) such as AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon FIOS to treat all internet content the same. It has to be delivered at the same speed – providers cannot create “fast lanes” that would cost more money to deliver content quicker. Internet speeds must be “neutral”. In December, the FCC demolished that principle.
As our telecommunication technology advances, I believe we should have a clear national policy that balances continued growth in competition and innovation with maintenance of consumer choice and fair access to the Internet. I am supporting legislation in the House that would essentially invalidate the FCC’s vote. H.R. 4585, the Save Net Neutrality Act, would prohibit the FCC from using the information gathered from its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking beginning on May 18th because it has been established that many of the comments are fake. Because the FCC cannot consider any of them, they would have to start the process over. As a result, this would delay repeal of net neutrality while more permanent solutions are explored. I am also cosponsoring legislation in the House to prohibit the FCC from repealing net neutrality through the Congressional Review Act.
Thank you again for writing to me about this issue. If my staff or I can be of any assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely,
Michael E. Capuano
Member of Congress
We’re really excited that we have representatives in government like Michael Capuano in the Boston area that support net neutrality, and more importantly, legislation that protects it. We hope more legislators take a similar stand across the country to protect the open Internet. If you’d like to read more about our thoughts on Net Neutrality, please visit the Net Neutrality tag on our blog.