Every time you are on the Internet, you have free and open access to view and search what you like. No tolls, no throttling or slowing of certain sites impact your Internet usage. On December 14th, the FCC is planning to end that freedom and dismantle landmark regulations that protect equal access to the Internet. This will mean Internet service companies can charge users (that’s you!) more to access certain content and delay access to some sites. This is concerning to us as a company, especially with regards to the impact on our customers.
The intent of this post is to let our customers know that we at netBlazr strongly oppose the repeal of net neutrality. We even sent a letter, along with other small ISP’s (Internet service providers) this summer to express our concern. You can find the letter here in this link.
You may have already signed petitions and are planning ways to make your voice heard on this issue. We’ve listed a number of links below and ways you can get involved. Our founder Brough Turner values this issue and is one of the many reasons he started netBlazr. He has a depth of knowledge with respect to the Internet, privacy, and net neutrality. Here are a few links to blogs he’s posted on these subjects.
- Brough’s take: Impact of Internet Peering on Network Architectures and Economics
- netBlazr founders host a Facebook Live on Internet privacy and FCC regulations
This type of transparency and education we provide as a company is not to pay lip service to the issues or pander to a particular demographic; we intend to keep spreading the knowledge and fighting. We hope you will join us.
As for what will happen if we’re unsuccessful in the effort to protect net neutrality, many have said there’s too much “hype” and “apocalyptic” thinking around the potential repeal. While we don’t entirely disagree, as the “Internet Engineer’s” history makes clear (starting at page 33), violations will sneak up on us, likely beginning within months of the change. FCC Chairman Pai proposes to roll back all regulation except a transparency rule. That’s a position we’ve never been in before.
- Before 2015, we had the FCC’s 2010 Open Internet Rules.
- Before 2010, we had the FCC’s Internet Policy Statement and the FCC’s 2005 action against VoIP blocking by Madison River.
- Before the Madison River, we had the FCC Chairman Powell’s four Internet Freedoms announced at the Silicon Flatirons conference, February 2004.
And in the 1990s, we had actual competition – thousands of ISPs competing to offer Internet access over the telephone lines of the regulated monopoly. With the FCC Chairman Pai’s proposed repeal it will sending a message to all that there will be no penalties for violators.
Here are some links to help you take action:
- Battle for the Net – This site has links with pre-formatted emails to send to leaders in Washington
- Email the FCC commissioners directly with your concerns
- Ajit Pai, Chairman (Republican) – [email protected]
- Michael O’Rielly, Commissioner (Republican) – Mike.O’[email protected]
- Brendan Carr, Commissioner (Republican) – [email protected]
- Jessica Rosenworcel, Commissioner (Democrat) – [email protected]
- Mignon Clyburn, Commissioner (Democrat) – [email protected]
- Net Neutrality Protests – Join a rally at Verizon stores nationwide on December 7th
netBlazr’s Open Internet Disclosure