Melançon Enterprises • a multidivision multinational since 1980

Organization: Common Cause
Petition Link: http://www.commoncause.org/internetfreedom

Regarding Docket 07-52 in the Matter of Broadband Industry Practices

The Federal Communications Commission must act quickly to protect net neutrality – better called online equality or internet freedom – the longstanding principle that prevents discrimination on the Internet and that has allowed it to become an engine of innovation and economic growth.

People don't want this to change. They do not want the Internet to become cable television with high rates and restricted choice, a menu of favored options, with independent voices that can't afford to pay for play excluded.

Large internet service providers (giant telecom, telephone and cable companies) have made clear that they want to change the way the internet works, from the open and free system that is in fact technically superior, to a closed system where the only advantage is for the telecom companies: to charge websites and services for use of Internet infrastructure, much of which has already been paid for by the government, and which end users pay globally high rates. Only web sites that could afford to pay fees would continue to operate as before, if the telecoms have their way. Entrepreneurs, individuals, nonprofits, small businesses, bloggers, musicians, writers, poets, artists, booster clubs, and activists would have websites more difficult to find or slower to use. That would be a disaster for our economy, our culture and our democracy.

Internet equality, online freedom, net neutrality must be the rule on the internet (which is much more then the world wide web, and more importantly can become still yet more in new ways).

I ask the FCC to reaffirm explicit prohibitions on broadband providers from blocking, impeding or interfering with Internet traffic, or prioritizing any content or services.

Kind thanks for your attention.