From Free Press Action Fund:
This is a story of cynical Beltway politics at its worst.
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has two strong proposals on the table: one would stop Comcast from selling your private information without your consent, and another would lower your cable-TV bill by ending the monopoly on that set-top box you're forced to rent each month.
Thousands of us have written in support of these common-sense, pro-consumer policies — but it isn't clear whether they'll move forward before the end of the Obama administration.
The cable industry's friends in Congress are threatening the survival of both of these measures. Instead of letting the agency do its job, they're pressuring Wheeler to resign right after the election and stalling the renomination of Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel.
Holding up a confirmation to force the agency's hand on unrelated topics is no way to govern.
Worse still: It might be working.1
Rosenworcel is reportedly reluctant to move quickly on these crucial measures. And they need her vote to pass.
We need the FCC to stand up to industry and reject Congress’ political games.
Tell the FCC to protect your privacy and lower your cable bill TODAY.
Anything worth doing at the FCC is going to take at least a 3–2 vote. Chairman Wheeler, Commissioner Mignon Clyburn and Commissioner Rosenworcel have a chance to go down in history as leaders of the FCC that did more for the public interest than any other. Their decisions over the next few months could cement that legacy — but only if all three of them hold strong.
We need them to work together — now.
1. Source
To sign petition
Showing posts with label Tom Wheeler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tom Wheeler. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Oppose the Charter-Time Warner merger
From CREDO:
The FCC is reportedly on the verge of approving the proposed $90 billion mega-merger between Charter Communications and Time Warner Cable,1 which would create a cable and Internet behemoth nearly as big as Comcast. Combined, the new company and Comcast would control two-thirds of the nation’s high speed Internet access.2
The next few days are a critical time to pressure the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to stop this bad deal for American consumers.
Can you help with a quick phone call? We’ll give you everything you need to deliver the message, and automatically connect you to the FCC commissioners who need to hear the voice of the American people.
Make a call to the FCC: Reject the Charter-Time Warner Cable merger. Call for a script and to be automatically connected to key FCC commissioners.
The proposed merger is a bad deal for consumers on a number of fronts:
It was designed to benefit the companies’ executives and Wall Street investors – not consumers. Big cable and Internet companies should be focused on improving customer service, and increasing broadband Internet speeds, not looking toward the next mega-merger that will make Wall Street happy.
If the merger is approved, Charter would take over the New York and Los Angeles broadband Internet markets, and would likely impose price increases on its customers in these diverse communities. This would exacerbate the digital divide by concentrating market power in communities where many people already struggle to afford broadband.
In a recent customer service survey, Charter ranked below hundreds of other companies – even Comcast.3 With even less competition and a captive customer base after a merger, Charter will have little incentive to actually improve customer service.
We need faster, more affordable Internet access – not further consolidation that would put more and more power into fewer hands. I hope you’ll join the broad coalition of progressive groups and activists fighting to stop the proposed merger between Charter Communications and Time Warner Cable by calling the FCC today.
Make a call to the FCC: Reject the Charter-Time Warner Cable merger. Call for a script and to be automatically connected to key FCC commissioners.
Thanks for everything you do.
1.Source
2.Source
3.Source
The FCC is reportedly on the verge of approving the proposed $90 billion mega-merger between Charter Communications and Time Warner Cable,1 which would create a cable and Internet behemoth nearly as big as Comcast. Combined, the new company and Comcast would control two-thirds of the nation’s high speed Internet access.2
The next few days are a critical time to pressure the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to stop this bad deal for American consumers.
Can you help with a quick phone call? We’ll give you everything you need to deliver the message, and automatically connect you to the FCC commissioners who need to hear the voice of the American people.
Make a call to the FCC: Reject the Charter-Time Warner Cable merger. Call for a script and to be automatically connected to key FCC commissioners.
The proposed merger is a bad deal for consumers on a number of fronts:
It was designed to benefit the companies’ executives and Wall Street investors – not consumers. Big cable and Internet companies should be focused on improving customer service, and increasing broadband Internet speeds, not looking toward the next mega-merger that will make Wall Street happy.
If the merger is approved, Charter would take over the New York and Los Angeles broadband Internet markets, and would likely impose price increases on its customers in these diverse communities. This would exacerbate the digital divide by concentrating market power in communities where many people already struggle to afford broadband.
In a recent customer service survey, Charter ranked below hundreds of other companies – even Comcast.3 With even less competition and a captive customer base after a merger, Charter will have little incentive to actually improve customer service.
We need faster, more affordable Internet access – not further consolidation that would put more and more power into fewer hands. I hope you’ll join the broad coalition of progressive groups and activists fighting to stop the proposed merger between Charter Communications and Time Warner Cable by calling the FCC today.
Make a call to the FCC: Reject the Charter-Time Warner Cable merger. Call for a script and to be automatically connected to key FCC commissioners.
Thanks for everything you do.
1.Source
2.Source
3.Source
Friday, March 25, 2016
Tell the FCC to make broadband internet access available to all
From Demand Progress:
Tell the FCC to ensure more Americans have reliable access to the Internet.
By the end of the month, the FCC is expected to vote on whether to expand access to broadband Internet and narrow the digital divide.
It’s astonishing: Nearly 1 in 5 Americans does not have broadband access to the Internet. That’s the digital divide in action.
Most of us rely on the Internet for so much in our daily lives. Everything from job searches, to health care, to homework, to – as Demand Progress members know – taking political action all require Internet access.
The number one factor holding families back from getting online? Cost. And studies show that communities of color are hit hardest.
The FCC has a chance to help close this gap. It’s voting this month on whether to expand the Lifeline program – originally created in the ‘80s to help low-income families afford basic phone service – to cover broadband Internet.
Tell the FCC to narrow the digital divide by expanding broadband Internet affordability for low-income families.
The FCC recognized three decades ago that telephone access was necessary to fully engage in society. Now, the Internet has become at least as critical to life in the 21st century as the phone was in the 80’s.
Closing the digital divide and increasing access for low-income families can create more economic opportunities, promote greater democratic participation, and foster a more just society.
Now, the FCC needs to hear from you, the public.
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler and Commissioner Mignon Clyburn have already put forth a proposal to modernize Lifeline and expand it to broadband.1
We need to make sure that when the FCC votes, it does the right thing. Making broadband more affordable means low-income families aren’t left further behind when it comes to accessing job opportunities, education, and essential health services.
Will you contact the FCC and let the commissioners know you support increasing broadband access?
Thanks for taking action,
– Mark and the team at Demand Progress
1.Source
Tell the FCC to ensure more Americans have reliable access to the Internet.
By the end of the month, the FCC is expected to vote on whether to expand access to broadband Internet and narrow the digital divide.
It’s astonishing: Nearly 1 in 5 Americans does not have broadband access to the Internet. That’s the digital divide in action.
Most of us rely on the Internet for so much in our daily lives. Everything from job searches, to health care, to homework, to – as Demand Progress members know – taking political action all require Internet access.
The number one factor holding families back from getting online? Cost. And studies show that communities of color are hit hardest.
The FCC has a chance to help close this gap. It’s voting this month on whether to expand the Lifeline program – originally created in the ‘80s to help low-income families afford basic phone service – to cover broadband Internet.
Tell the FCC to narrow the digital divide by expanding broadband Internet affordability for low-income families.
The FCC recognized three decades ago that telephone access was necessary to fully engage in society. Now, the Internet has become at least as critical to life in the 21st century as the phone was in the 80’s.
Closing the digital divide and increasing access for low-income families can create more economic opportunities, promote greater democratic participation, and foster a more just society.
Now, the FCC needs to hear from you, the public.
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler and Commissioner Mignon Clyburn have already put forth a proposal to modernize Lifeline and expand it to broadband.1
We need to make sure that when the FCC votes, it does the right thing. Making broadband more affordable means low-income families aren’t left further behind when it comes to accessing job opportunities, education, and essential health services.
Will you contact the FCC and let the commissioners know you support increasing broadband access?
Thanks for taking action,
– Mark and the team at Demand Progress
1.Source
Sunday, February 7, 2016
The consumer will lose if the Charter-Time Warner merger goes through
From Free Press Action Fund:
This week, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler admitted that he “has not done enough” to encourage competition between cable giants.1
We appreciate the chairman's sentiments — and have something he can do right now: Block the $90 billion merger between Charter and Time Warner Cable.
In fact, Wheeler has all the power he needs to stop this deal, a move that would encourage competition rather than crush it.
Take action now: Tell Chairman Wheeler to stop Charter.
If this merger is approved, Charter and Comcast would offer service to nearly 80 percent of U.S. homes.
Together they would have unprecedented control over our ability to connect and communicate. Without any other meaningful competition, they’d be able to charge us whatever they want for our connections. Higher prices would leave even more people on the wrong side of the digital divide — hitting low-income communities of color the hardest.
Wheeler knows "digital divide" isn't just some wonky term — it’s a chasm that affects people's day-to-day lives.2
Here’s the question: Will Wheeler do more to encourage competition — or will he stand with Big Cable? The choice is his.
Tell Wheeler to stop Charter before it gobbles up the competition, raises rates and makes it even harder for people to get online.
Thanks for all that you do—
Mary Alice, Candace, Lucia and the rest of the Free Press team
freepress.net
P.S. Rumor has it that the FCC could vote on Charter’s takeover of Time Warner Cable as soon as March. Your voice is needed right now: Tell Chairman Wheeler to block the merger. Thank you!
1. Source
2. Source
This week, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler admitted that he “has not done enough” to encourage competition between cable giants.1
We appreciate the chairman's sentiments — and have something he can do right now: Block the $90 billion merger between Charter and Time Warner Cable.
In fact, Wheeler has all the power he needs to stop this deal, a move that would encourage competition rather than crush it.
Take action now: Tell Chairman Wheeler to stop Charter.
If this merger is approved, Charter and Comcast would offer service to nearly 80 percent of U.S. homes.
Together they would have unprecedented control over our ability to connect and communicate. Without any other meaningful competition, they’d be able to charge us whatever they want for our connections. Higher prices would leave even more people on the wrong side of the digital divide — hitting low-income communities of color the hardest.
Wheeler knows "digital divide" isn't just some wonky term — it’s a chasm that affects people's day-to-day lives.2
Here’s the question: Will Wheeler do more to encourage competition — or will he stand with Big Cable? The choice is his.
Tell Wheeler to stop Charter before it gobbles up the competition, raises rates and makes it even harder for people to get online.
Thanks for all that you do—
Mary Alice, Candace, Lucia and the rest of the Free Press team
freepress.net
P.S. Rumor has it that the FCC could vote on Charter’s takeover of Time Warner Cable as soon as March. Your voice is needed right now: Tell Chairman Wheeler to block the merger. Thank you!
1. Source
2. Source
Monday, February 23, 2015
Tell the worst offenders in both houses to support Net Neutrality
From Demand Progress:
It's so anomalous for DC to actually do what the people want that the Republicans are investigating how the hell it happened.
Call the key Net Neutrality opponents in Congress and tell them to stop messing with the Internet.
Now that the FCC's moving in the right direction on Net Neutrality, the cable and phone companies have turned their attention to a new target: Congress.
Their tactic? Stall the FCC. In the last few weeks we've seen outright calls for a delay on the vote, legislation that would undermine the agency's authority, and a Republican-led campaign to investigate the process Chairman Tom Wheeler used to craft the rules.
One thing's for certain: If Wheeler were bowing to Big Cable, the Republicans wouldn't be launching an investigation to find out why.
We can't let Congress jeopardize the future of the Internet in an attempt to score partisan points. This stops now.
Call the Net Neutrality opponents in Congress and tell them to stop messing with the Internet.
We've put together a list of the worst offenders in the House and Senate — all you need to do is enter your phone number on this page and we’ll connect you. You might not be connected to your member of Congress, but these are the people who need to hear from real Net Neutrality supporters.
People nationwide have urged the FCC to protect Internet users — and that’s exactly what it’s poised to do. Congress shouldn’t try to block the FCC by pushing bad bills or hauling the FCC into hearings to defend the plan millions have called for.
The opposition has woken up its base and we’re seeing more and more industry lies circulating online. Companies like Comcast and AT&T will stop at nothing to destroy Net Neutrality now that we’re so close to winning. We can’t let them get away with this.
Click here to call Congress now.
And if you can't make a call... could click here and chip in $10 to help us continue our activism? We rely on support from activists like you.
Let's not let the ISPs snatch away our hard-earned victory.
-Demand Progress
It's so anomalous for DC to actually do what the people want that the Republicans are investigating how the hell it happened.
Call the key Net Neutrality opponents in Congress and tell them to stop messing with the Internet.
Now that the FCC's moving in the right direction on Net Neutrality, the cable and phone companies have turned their attention to a new target: Congress.
Their tactic? Stall the FCC. In the last few weeks we've seen outright calls for a delay on the vote, legislation that would undermine the agency's authority, and a Republican-led campaign to investigate the process Chairman Tom Wheeler used to craft the rules.
One thing's for certain: If Wheeler were bowing to Big Cable, the Republicans wouldn't be launching an investigation to find out why.
We can't let Congress jeopardize the future of the Internet in an attempt to score partisan points. This stops now.
Call the Net Neutrality opponents in Congress and tell them to stop messing with the Internet.
We've put together a list of the worst offenders in the House and Senate — all you need to do is enter your phone number on this page and we’ll connect you. You might not be connected to your member of Congress, but these are the people who need to hear from real Net Neutrality supporters.
People nationwide have urged the FCC to protect Internet users — and that’s exactly what it’s poised to do. Congress shouldn’t try to block the FCC by pushing bad bills or hauling the FCC into hearings to defend the plan millions have called for.
The opposition has woken up its base and we’re seeing more and more industry lies circulating online. Companies like Comcast and AT&T will stop at nothing to destroy Net Neutrality now that we’re so close to winning. We can’t let them get away with this.
Click here to call Congress now.
And if you can't make a call... could click here and chip in $10 to help us continue our activism? We rely on support from activists like you.
Let's not let the ISPs snatch away our hard-earned victory.
-Demand Progress
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Congress tries to stop the FCC from implementing Net Neutrality
From Demand Progress:
Congressmen Fred Upton and Greg Walden just introduced legislation to block Net Neutrality.
Wanna guess who Fred Upton's biggest campaign contributor was in 2014? Comcast.
How about the second biggest donor to Greg Walden's campaign? Also Comcast.
The corruption is so blatantly obvious I almost can't believe it.
It's time we let the constituents of these congressmen know who they're actually representing in Washington. So here's the plan: If we can raise enough money today, we'll start putting up billboards in their home districts that call them out for putting the cable industry ahead of their constituents.
Chip in to help hold these corrupt opponents of Net Neutrality accountable.
Comcast shoveled almost $3 million into Congress in 2014--and now they're getting what they paid for.
Within days of FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler coming out strongly for Net Neutrality and Title II reclassification, Comcast's allies in Congress started trying to cut off the FCC at the knees.
We can hold these members of Congress accountable--but we need to hit them where it hurts, with voters. That's why we're putting up billboards in their home districts, to let voters know how they took money from Comcast to fight Net Neutrality.
But we don't get millions from corporations like Comcast. We count on your donations to make our work possible. Will you chip in to help stop Comcast from killing Net Neutrality?
Yes, I'll chip in.
Thanks.
-Demand Progress
Source:
Congressmen Fred Upton and Greg Walden just introduced legislation to block Net Neutrality.
Wanna guess who Fred Upton's biggest campaign contributor was in 2014? Comcast.
How about the second biggest donor to Greg Walden's campaign? Also Comcast.
The corruption is so blatantly obvious I almost can't believe it.
It's time we let the constituents of these congressmen know who they're actually representing in Washington. So here's the plan: If we can raise enough money today, we'll start putting up billboards in their home districts that call them out for putting the cable industry ahead of their constituents.
Chip in to help hold these corrupt opponents of Net Neutrality accountable.
Comcast shoveled almost $3 million into Congress in 2014--and now they're getting what they paid for.
Within days of FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler coming out strongly for Net Neutrality and Title II reclassification, Comcast's allies in Congress started trying to cut off the FCC at the knees.
We can hold these members of Congress accountable--but we need to hit them where it hurts, with voters. That's why we're putting up billboards in their home districts, to let voters know how they took money from Comcast to fight Net Neutrality.
But we don't get millions from corporations like Comcast. We count on your donations to make our work possible. Will you chip in to help stop Comcast from killing Net Neutrality?
Yes, I'll chip in.
Thanks.
-Demand Progress
Source:
Thursday, February 5, 2015
We're so close to making Title II Net Neutrality a reality
Fight For The Future:
We've got chills as we write to you about this: we are on the brink of scoring the biggest victory in modern memory for the public and the Internet against some of the fiercest lobbies in the world.
The FCC Chairman just proposed rules for net neutrality, which will get voted on February 26th -- they plan on reclassifying Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, all telecom as a... Title II. Common. Carrier... meaning we keep the Internet equal for all.
Dollar for dollar, this is the biggest win against entrenched corruption and million dollar lobbyists in recent memory. No matter what happens next, this is a watershed moment for free speech.
We can celebrate soon, but first we have to finish the fight. Will you chip in?
But, it's also true we still have three weeks to go before these rules get voted on. Almost anything can happen in that time, and the details of the rules matter so much. We know our opponents in the Cable industry will use their exclusive access to the FCC and Congress to add loopholes and attack the process. This is our last moment to blow this fight out of the water and make it crystal clear that we will not let ANY loophole or monopoly behavior gut this historic win we've fought so hard for.
There's no doubt this is the moment we've all been fighting for. The FCC vote for net neutrality -- the most important vote of the FCC's entire history -- was a year in the making (and a decade of groundwork) and the result of coming together around smart, strategic mobilization at the FCC, the halls of Congress, across the political spectrum and around the world.
But, the Cable lobby knows exactly what they're going to do about it and they are unrolling their plans as we speak. We don't know all the details, but we know they are putting everything they've got into the next three weeks to mobilize the TV networks they own, the million dollar political lists they've bought, and the politicians they gave campaign contributions to (especially the ones who are already pushing a bill that could derail the vote).
It will all come down to February 26th, when the FCC votes on their rules. We know we can beat them, but on that day we'll either have done everything we needed to do to win real net neutrality or we'll lose it for a long time.
So, it's up to us to decide if we close the deal. And, we have only have three weeks to get your support and do it.
First, we're going to generate a massive avalanche of public opposition to Cable's plans by creatively distributing a ticking vote-countdown clock all across the web on thousands of websites and social media accounts. We'll generate such a determined outpouring of support for real net neutrality rules that we'll resoundingly save the open Internet and make it so politically toxic for any member of Congress and any FCC commissioner to be on the wrong side of history.
We moved mountains to get here. A year ago when net neutrality rules were struck down in court, Title II was off the table. We bravely came out for it when it was scary and built campaigns so the support would spread. No one expected us to set up camp outside the FCC offices for 10 days. And, when we created the Internet Slowdown protest and made the spinning wheel of death the iconic emblem of Cable's plans, and with our partners, helped drive a historic 4 million comments, we created the turning point for net neutrality that changed everything.
While millions of dollars and a host of lobbyists are a stone's throw away from every Congressional office and FCC staffer, we defied all odds and are winning, not on their terms of corruption and DC lobbying, but on our own -- the public banding together. Our fingerprints are all over these rules. We know exactly how to finish the job.
Are we ready to make the FCC vote on net neutrality the biggest moment for you, me, and everyone else? Oh yes.
All those sleepless nights. All that wrist pain. The rain and the cold streets. All of that has been worth it. And it's going to be worth going through it all again over the next three weeks.
It's been an overwhelming years worth of work. But we're not going to let up now. We’ve come so far. Not long ago most people didn’t have a clue what net neutrality even was. Now, we're mobilized and ready. Can you make a donation to help finish the job and save the free and open Internet?
We've got chills as we write to you about this: we are on the brink of scoring the biggest victory in modern memory for the public and the Internet against some of the fiercest lobbies in the world.
The FCC Chairman just proposed rules for net neutrality, which will get voted on February 26th -- they plan on reclassifying Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, all telecom as a... Title II. Common. Carrier... meaning we keep the Internet equal for all.
Dollar for dollar, this is the biggest win against entrenched corruption and million dollar lobbyists in recent memory. No matter what happens next, this is a watershed moment for free speech.
We can celebrate soon, but first we have to finish the fight. Will you chip in?
But, it's also true we still have three weeks to go before these rules get voted on. Almost anything can happen in that time, and the details of the rules matter so much. We know our opponents in the Cable industry will use their exclusive access to the FCC and Congress to add loopholes and attack the process. This is our last moment to blow this fight out of the water and make it crystal clear that we will not let ANY loophole or monopoly behavior gut this historic win we've fought so hard for.
There's no doubt this is the moment we've all been fighting for. The FCC vote for net neutrality -- the most important vote of the FCC's entire history -- was a year in the making (and a decade of groundwork) and the result of coming together around smart, strategic mobilization at the FCC, the halls of Congress, across the political spectrum and around the world.
But, the Cable lobby knows exactly what they're going to do about it and they are unrolling their plans as we speak. We don't know all the details, but we know they are putting everything they've got into the next three weeks to mobilize the TV networks they own, the million dollar political lists they've bought, and the politicians they gave campaign contributions to (especially the ones who are already pushing a bill that could derail the vote).
It will all come down to February 26th, when the FCC votes on their rules. We know we can beat them, but on that day we'll either have done everything we needed to do to win real net neutrality or we'll lose it for a long time.
So, it's up to us to decide if we close the deal. And, we have only have three weeks to get your support and do it.
First, we're going to generate a massive avalanche of public opposition to Cable's plans by creatively distributing a ticking vote-countdown clock all across the web on thousands of websites and social media accounts. We'll generate such a determined outpouring of support for real net neutrality rules that we'll resoundingly save the open Internet and make it so politically toxic for any member of Congress and any FCC commissioner to be on the wrong side of history.
We moved mountains to get here. A year ago when net neutrality rules were struck down in court, Title II was off the table. We bravely came out for it when it was scary and built campaigns so the support would spread. No one expected us to set up camp outside the FCC offices for 10 days. And, when we created the Internet Slowdown protest and made the spinning wheel of death the iconic emblem of Cable's plans, and with our partners, helped drive a historic 4 million comments, we created the turning point for net neutrality that changed everything.
While millions of dollars and a host of lobbyists are a stone's throw away from every Congressional office and FCC staffer, we defied all odds and are winning, not on their terms of corruption and DC lobbying, but on our own -- the public banding together. Our fingerprints are all over these rules. We know exactly how to finish the job.
Are we ready to make the FCC vote on net neutrality the biggest moment for you, me, and everyone else? Oh yes.
All those sleepless nights. All that wrist pain. The rain and the cold streets. All of that has been worth it. And it's going to be worth going through it all again over the next three weeks.
It's been an overwhelming years worth of work. But we're not going to let up now. We’ve come so far. Not long ago most people didn’t have a clue what net neutrality even was. Now, we're mobilized and ready. Can you make a donation to help finish the job and save the free and open Internet?
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Good news about Net Neutrality
From Demand Progress:
FCC Chairman Wheeler finally – FINALLY – seems to get it! In a speech yesterday, he all but confirmed that the FCC is prepared to vote on rules strong enough to protect Net Neutrality. We don't have the details yet, but it looks like the FCC has heard the millions of people asking them to do the right thing.
Speaking at the Consumer Electronics Conference, Chairman Wheeler yesterday said that the agency has been investigating how to defend the Open Internet and that Title II has the “best protections.” The rules won't be circulated until February 5th (and voted on February 26th), but his comments all but confirmed that they will reclassify the Internet under Title II of the Telecommunications Act.
I don't want to get too excited yet. As they say, the devil (The Comcast?) is in the details, and we're up against some of the most powerful forces in business and politics. But this is great news.
They said we'd never get this far. They said the ISPs were too big to fight. They said the FCC was captured by industry. But together we keep winning -- every step of the way so far.
And we're a huge part of why: Demand Progress and our members have spurred more than 1 million FCC comments, along with millions of emails and hundreds of thousands of phone calls to Congress, the White House, and the FCC.
If you keep participating in the process we will win. But we also need financial support to keep pushing back against the ISPs, because they won't relent.
They have millions of dollars. We have you. Can you contribute $20 to help us keep up the pressure?
Thanks.
-Demand Progress
FCC Chairman Wheeler finally – FINALLY – seems to get it! In a speech yesterday, he all but confirmed that the FCC is prepared to vote on rules strong enough to protect Net Neutrality. We don't have the details yet, but it looks like the FCC has heard the millions of people asking them to do the right thing.
Speaking at the Consumer Electronics Conference, Chairman Wheeler yesterday said that the agency has been investigating how to defend the Open Internet and that Title II has the “best protections.” The rules won't be circulated until February 5th (and voted on February 26th), but his comments all but confirmed that they will reclassify the Internet under Title II of the Telecommunications Act.
I don't want to get too excited yet. As they say, the devil (The Comcast?) is in the details, and we're up against some of the most powerful forces in business and politics. But this is great news.
They said we'd never get this far. They said the ISPs were too big to fight. They said the FCC was captured by industry. But together we keep winning -- every step of the way so far.
And we're a huge part of why: Demand Progress and our members have spurred more than 1 million FCC comments, along with millions of emails and hundreds of thousands of phone calls to Congress, the White House, and the FCC.
If you keep participating in the process we will win. But we also need financial support to keep pushing back against the ISPs, because they won't relent.
They have millions of dollars. We have you. Can you contribute $20 to help us keep up the pressure?
Thanks.
-Demand Progress
Friday, October 31, 2014
Tell the FCC to preserve net neutrality
From Fight For The Future:
Hey, there's an urgent update on this.
We are hearing that the FCC is finalizing their net neutrality proposal *right now* and it's not looking good. The Wall Street Journal just reported that the agency is hurtling toward a fake "hybrid" proposal that will attempt to appease the public but leave the door wide open for Cable company censorship and abuse [1]. This could be our last chance to affect the FCC's decision, we need to make our voices heard now, louder than ever, or all the work that we've done could be for nothing. Click here
This is an emergency. But we built a secret weapon to finish the job and make it impossible for the FCC to ignore us. Will you join thousands of others calling to demand net neutrality?
The FCC is gearing up to ignore millions of people's comments -- so we need to take action that they can't ignore. We've already heard that these phone calls are really getting to them. We can't stop now! If you already made the call, or became one of our heroic daily callers, thank you! You can still help by sharing our CallTheFCC.com tool with everyone you know. How many of your friends can you get to call every day?
We are hearing rumors that the FCC is hurtling toward a compromise that will try to appease the public outcry, but will leave the door open for Cable company censorship and abuse. It's absolutely imperative that we make noise right now and show that we won't back down until we get what we want: a free and uncensored Internet for all.
Last chance! Click here to take action for net neutrality before it's too late.
We'll keep you posted as things develop. Thanks for all you do.
-Kevin at FFTF
Sources:
[1] Wall Street Journal. 'FCC Net Neutrality Plan Calls For More Power Over Broadband. Chairman Tom Wheeler Considers Hybrid Approach To Internet Access. Source
Hey, there's an urgent update on this.
We are hearing that the FCC is finalizing their net neutrality proposal *right now* and it's not looking good. The Wall Street Journal just reported that the agency is hurtling toward a fake "hybrid" proposal that will attempt to appease the public but leave the door wide open for Cable company censorship and abuse [1]. This could be our last chance to affect the FCC's decision, we need to make our voices heard now, louder than ever, or all the work that we've done could be for nothing. Click here
This is an emergency. But we built a secret weapon to finish the job and make it impossible for the FCC to ignore us. Will you join thousands of others calling to demand net neutrality?
The FCC is gearing up to ignore millions of people's comments -- so we need to take action that they can't ignore. We've already heard that these phone calls are really getting to them. We can't stop now! If you already made the call, or became one of our heroic daily callers, thank you! You can still help by sharing our CallTheFCC.com tool with everyone you know. How many of your friends can you get to call every day?
We are hearing rumors that the FCC is hurtling toward a compromise that will try to appease the public outcry, but will leave the door open for Cable company censorship and abuse. It's absolutely imperative that we make noise right now and show that we won't back down until we get what we want: a free and uncensored Internet for all.
Last chance! Click here to take action for net neutrality before it's too late.
We'll keep you posted as things develop. Thanks for all you do.
-Kevin at FFTF
Sources:
[1] Wall Street Journal. 'FCC Net Neutrality Plan Calls For More Power Over Broadband. Chairman Tom Wheeler Considers Hybrid Approach To Internet Access. Source
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Senators,Congresspeople and Obama are on board to preserve Net Neutrality
From The Free Press Action Fund:
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler is running out of excuses.
First millions of people — plus dozens of senators and hundreds of companies and organizations — contacted the FCC and urged the agency to scrap its proposal for a pay-to-play Internet. Then Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke out and said he opposed any scheme that would harm the open Internet.
And on Tuesday, the president himself weighed in, expressing his strong support for Net Neutrality — and his opposition to the kind of paid prioritization Wheeler’s plan would allow.
“You don't want differentiation in how accessible the Internet is to different users,” he told a reporter. “You want to leave it open so the next Google and the next Facebook can succeed.”
Obama’s comments are a big deal — and they could make a real difference in the push to get Wheeler to drop his plan.
There’s no longer any doubt that Wheeler has the political backing — from the president, from Senate leadership, and from millions and millions of Americans — to abandon his current proposal and protect real Net Neutrality. And the only way to do that is to reclassify broadband access providers as common carriers.
Help us keep the pressure on Wheeler with a donation of $10 (or more!) today.
We're going to fight this fight every step of the way and are grateful for all of your support.
More soon and thanks for everything—
Candace, Mary Alice and the rest of us at the Free Press Action Fund
Free Press
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler is running out of excuses.
First millions of people — plus dozens of senators and hundreds of companies and organizations — contacted the FCC and urged the agency to scrap its proposal for a pay-to-play Internet. Then Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke out and said he opposed any scheme that would harm the open Internet.
And on Tuesday, the president himself weighed in, expressing his strong support for Net Neutrality — and his opposition to the kind of paid prioritization Wheeler’s plan would allow.
“You don't want differentiation in how accessible the Internet is to different users,” he told a reporter. “You want to leave it open so the next Google and the next Facebook can succeed.”
Obama’s comments are a big deal — and they could make a real difference in the push to get Wheeler to drop his plan.
There’s no longer any doubt that Wheeler has the political backing — from the president, from Senate leadership, and from millions and millions of Americans — to abandon his current proposal and protect real Net Neutrality. And the only way to do that is to reclassify broadband access providers as common carriers.
Help us keep the pressure on Wheeler with a donation of $10 (or more!) today.
We're going to fight this fight every step of the way and are grateful for all of your support.
More soon and thanks for everything—
Candace, Mary Alice and the rest of us at the Free Press Action Fund
Free Press
Thursday, May 15, 2014
We''re not through with this
From Free Press Action Fund:
This has been a historic day in the fight to save the Internet.
The rally outside the FCC was inspiring: Hundreds of people (and even some kids) chanted, drummed and streamed into the FCC demanding reclassification and real Net Neutrality. Thousands more are taking action online at may15.savetheinternet.com. And we put the FCC on notice, making one thing crystal clear: A pay-for-priority Internet is unacceptable.
You've been part of an enormous public outcry — and it's having an impact.
Here’s what happened today: FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler introduced his rules, which would let ISPs charge for priority treatment. Meanwhile, Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel spoke out in support of prohibitions on paid prioritization and other forms of discrimination.
Lets get pumped for the fight ahead.
The Commission says it wants to hear from the public; it will be hearing from us a lot more in the months ahead. As this fight stretches into the fall, we'll repeat our demands over and over again: No fast lanes on the Internet. We need REAL Net Neutrality.
We’ll file comments with the FCC. We'll urge President Obama to reiterate his support for the open Internet. We’ll step up our organizing — online, in the streets and on Capitol Hill. We’ll keep the issue front and center in the news and in people’s minds. At every turn we’ll remind the FCC that it work for us, not the ISPs.
We won't stop fighting until we win, no matter how long it takes. With you by our side we know we'll get there.
Thanks for all that you do—
Josh, Candace, Misty, Mary Alice and the rest of the Free Press team
freepress.net
P.S. Thanks to the generosity of so many Free Press supporters, we met our goal of raising $50,000 in 15 days to save the Internet. We’re in it for the long haul: Help fuel our work with a donation of $10 (or more!) today. Thank you!
Free Press Action Fund
Net Neutrality is on the ropes
From Demand Progress:
Today the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 to propose new rules that would allow Internet service providers like Comcast and Verizon to sell priority access on the Internet.
The proposed rules would end the policy of Net Neutrality, a principle supposedly supported by President Obama -- but evidently not by his FCC.
Yet not all hope is lost: Millions of activists have spoken out in support of the Open Internet in recent weeks, and because of this the FCC has left on the table the possibility of restoring Net Neutrality -- but it's an uphill fight.
And more than anybody else, President Obama can tilt the table in our favor by speaking out in support of our cause.
Click here to tell Obama to keep his word and fight for Net Neutrality.
Net Neutrality is what stops powerful Internet corporations like Comcast and Verizon from singlehandedly killing websites by making them impossibly slow.
Without Net Neutrality, Internet service providers could promote content that they own, and undermine content from their competitors.
They could shake down start-ups and artists and blogs for fees — and put them out of business if they don’t pay up.
This summer, the FCC will make a final decision about which plan to move forward with -- the one it prefers which allows ISPs to discriminate against websites, or the restoration of Net Neutrality.
Let's tell President Obama that it's time to prove that he stands with us and the Internet -- not with ISPs like Comcast and Verizon:
Click here to demand that President Obama stand up for Net Neutrality.
Thanks.
-Demand Progress
Today the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 to propose new rules that would allow Internet service providers like Comcast and Verizon to sell priority access on the Internet.
The proposed rules would end the policy of Net Neutrality, a principle supposedly supported by President Obama -- but evidently not by his FCC.
Yet not all hope is lost: Millions of activists have spoken out in support of the Open Internet in recent weeks, and because of this the FCC has left on the table the possibility of restoring Net Neutrality -- but it's an uphill fight.
And more than anybody else, President Obama can tilt the table in our favor by speaking out in support of our cause.
Click here to tell Obama to keep his word and fight for Net Neutrality.
Net Neutrality is what stops powerful Internet corporations like Comcast and Verizon from singlehandedly killing websites by making them impossibly slow.
Without Net Neutrality, Internet service providers could promote content that they own, and undermine content from their competitors.
They could shake down start-ups and artists and blogs for fees — and put them out of business if they don’t pay up.
This summer, the FCC will make a final decision about which plan to move forward with -- the one it prefers which allows ISPs to discriminate against websites, or the restoration of Net Neutrality.
Let's tell President Obama that it's time to prove that he stands with us and the Internet -- not with ISPs like Comcast and Verizon:
Click here to demand that President Obama stand up for Net Neutrality.
Thanks.
-Demand Progress
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Rein in the FCC chairman's arrogance
From Capitol Hill Daily:
Last week, I told you about FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's disastrous proposal, which would've effectively put an end to net neutrality - and the internet - as we know it.
The FCC took a ton of well-deserved heat for its plan, as nearly everyone who wasn't an internet service provider realized what a terrible deal they'd be getting if the proposal were accepted.
The outrage culminated in a letter from dozens of internet companies asking the FCC not to make the ill-advised move toward a more-or-less deregulated internet. At issue, primarily, was the fact that the FCC would allow for internet "fast lanes" that would benefit the privileged few companies that could afford such treatment.
Hopefully, you were one of the many readers who spoke your mind to Chairman Wheeler. If you told the FCC that you were opposed to a discriminatory internet, I congratulate you.
The good news is that, yesterday, the Chairman admitted that he's taken notice of the nearly universal backlash sparked by his initial proposal.
And as a token of his condolence, Wheeler has submitted a revised proposal that he hopes will placate his many critics, while (presumably) also catering to the service providers that he's in bed with.
The revision was distributed yesterday, so what can Americans expect from the Wheeler proposal version 2.0?
A Flimsy Correction
Not much, as it turns out. Remember: Wheeler is a corporate shill... and his "revisions" are incredibly insufficient. But don't take my word for it. CNET, for example, says that the new proposal is "not a dramatic revision of Wheeler's [original] proposal."
And The Wall Street Journal says that Mr. Wheeler is "sticking to the same basic approach" as he did in the first proposal - though the latest version will "seek comment" on whether paid prioritization should be banned outright.
Perhaps I should be pleased that the FCC Chair has (sort of) admitted to his first proposal's shortcomings. At best, the new proposal bans some, but not all, internet fast lanes - even though the FCC would maintain its power to review any prioritization deals.
Frankly, though, this is an insulting response to the overwhelming criticism faced by the initial proposal. The revision appears to be nothing more than Wheeler pandering, with a vague assurance that the Commission will somehow, at some point, definitely (maybe) make sure that abuse (probably) won't take place... I guess.
On top of that, Wheeler has refused to delay Thursday's vote on the petition in question, despite pleas from two of the five FCC commissioners. A delay could've given the agency time to craft a more comprehensive solution that's aligned with the demands of pretty much everyone who isn't an internet service provider.
As one FCC official told The Wall Street Journal, "There is a wide feeling on the eighth floor that this is a debacle, and I think people would like to see a change of course. We may not agree on the course, but we agree [that] the road we're on is a disaster."
Here's to hoping that Wheeler will soon see this situation in the same light as the rest of America. The power to make the right decision is in his hands.
In Pursuit of the Truth,
Christopher Eutaw
Last week, I told you about FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's disastrous proposal, which would've effectively put an end to net neutrality - and the internet - as we know it.
The FCC took a ton of well-deserved heat for its plan, as nearly everyone who wasn't an internet service provider realized what a terrible deal they'd be getting if the proposal were accepted.
The outrage culminated in a letter from dozens of internet companies asking the FCC not to make the ill-advised move toward a more-or-less deregulated internet. At issue, primarily, was the fact that the FCC would allow for internet "fast lanes" that would benefit the privileged few companies that could afford such treatment.
Hopefully, you were one of the many readers who spoke your mind to Chairman Wheeler. If you told the FCC that you were opposed to a discriminatory internet, I congratulate you.
The good news is that, yesterday, the Chairman admitted that he's taken notice of the nearly universal backlash sparked by his initial proposal.
And as a token of his condolence, Wheeler has submitted a revised proposal that he hopes will placate his many critics, while (presumably) also catering to the service providers that he's in bed with.
The revision was distributed yesterday, so what can Americans expect from the Wheeler proposal version 2.0?
A Flimsy Correction
Not much, as it turns out. Remember: Wheeler is a corporate shill... and his "revisions" are incredibly insufficient. But don't take my word for it. CNET, for example, says that the new proposal is "not a dramatic revision of Wheeler's [original] proposal."
And The Wall Street Journal says that Mr. Wheeler is "sticking to the same basic approach" as he did in the first proposal - though the latest version will "seek comment" on whether paid prioritization should be banned outright.
Perhaps I should be pleased that the FCC Chair has (sort of) admitted to his first proposal's shortcomings. At best, the new proposal bans some, but not all, internet fast lanes - even though the FCC would maintain its power to review any prioritization deals.
Frankly, though, this is an insulting response to the overwhelming criticism faced by the initial proposal. The revision appears to be nothing more than Wheeler pandering, with a vague assurance that the Commission will somehow, at some point, definitely (maybe) make sure that abuse (probably) won't take place... I guess.
On top of that, Wheeler has refused to delay Thursday's vote on the petition in question, despite pleas from two of the five FCC commissioners. A delay could've given the agency time to craft a more comprehensive solution that's aligned with the demands of pretty much everyone who isn't an internet service provider.
As one FCC official told The Wall Street Journal, "There is a wide feeling on the eighth floor that this is a debacle, and I think people would like to see a change of course. We may not agree on the course, but we agree [that] the road we're on is a disaster."
Here's to hoping that Wheeler will soon see this situation in the same light as the rest of America. The power to make the right decision is in his hands.
In Pursuit of the Truth,
Christopher Eutaw
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Help the Free Press Action Fund uphold Net Neutrality
From Free Press Action Fund:
On May 15th, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler will formally unveil his plan to kill Net Neutrality.
It’s an all-hands-on-deck moment.
As part of a larger day of action, Free Press and our allies will hold a rally outside the FCC’s May 15th meeting to demonstrate that the public will stand for nothing less than real Net Neutrality.
Could you help us raise $50,000 by May 15th to pull it off? A generous donor will match all funds if we meet our goal.
Right this minute, Free Press is mobilizing people across the country to make calls to the FCC and Congress, write letters, organize protests — and defeat the FCC’s awful plan.
It’s a good start and the public is overwhelmingly on our side. But if we’re going to win we need to turn the volume up to 11.
Help us make a ton of noise on May 15th and leave the chairman no choice but to ditch his disastrous rules. Your gift will help us:
Organize a top-notch event
Conduct promotion and outreach
Purchase equipment, signs, stickers, banners and buttons
Secure the appropriate permits and logistical support
Hire a photographer and videographer to capture the moment for the press
We need your help to move these plans forward. Please donate $15 or more to the Free Press Action Fund right away.
With thanks,
Candace, Carrie and the rest of the Free Press Action Fund team
P.S. You can stop the FCC in its tracks. Donate $15 (or more!) to the Free Press Action Fund and help us save the Internet. Your money will work twice as hard thanks to a generous donor who will match all funds if we meet our goal. Thank you!
On May 15th, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler will formally unveil his plan to kill Net Neutrality.
It’s an all-hands-on-deck moment.
As part of a larger day of action, Free Press and our allies will hold a rally outside the FCC’s May 15th meeting to demonstrate that the public will stand for nothing less than real Net Neutrality.
Could you help us raise $50,000 by May 15th to pull it off? A generous donor will match all funds if we meet our goal.
Right this minute, Free Press is mobilizing people across the country to make calls to the FCC and Congress, write letters, organize protests — and defeat the FCC’s awful plan.
It’s a good start and the public is overwhelmingly on our side. But if we’re going to win we need to turn the volume up to 11.
Help us make a ton of noise on May 15th and leave the chairman no choice but to ditch his disastrous rules. Your gift will help us:
Organize a top-notch event
Conduct promotion and outreach
Purchase equipment, signs, stickers, banners and buttons
Secure the appropriate permits and logistical support
Hire a photographer and videographer to capture the moment for the press
We need your help to move these plans forward. Please donate $15 or more to the Free Press Action Fund right away.
With thanks,
Candace, Carrie and the rest of the Free Press Action Fund team
P.S. You can stop the FCC in its tracks. Donate $15 (or more!) to the Free Press Action Fund and help us save the Internet. Your money will work twice as hard thanks to a generous donor who will match all funds if we meet our goal. Thank you!
Protesters campout in front of FCC headquarters
From Fight For The Future:
BREAKING NEWS: Activists are on the ground in DC camping out for net neutrality! Click here to support them!
It’s happening. A group of dedicated net neutrality activists are gathering right now outside the FCC's headquarters in Washington DC. They brought, banners, signs and... sleeping bags.
These folks -- Internet users just like you and I -- are camping out in front of the FCC day and night until the agency hears the overwhelming cry of the public to reign in abusive telecom monopolies and keep the Internet equal for all.
Here’s the best part: it’s already working. Before a single protester had even shown up at the FCC’s doorstep, we got a call from Chairman Tom Wheeler’s office asking what our message was, and saying they may be interested in meeting with us. That ’s particularly interesting, since when we helped deliver more than 1 million net neutrality signatures to the FCC last month, they wouldn't meet with us. The press coverage on the action has been amazing.
Now we know for sure we have the FCC’s attention, since they’ll have to walk past our encampment every day when they come to work. We've heard from our contacts in DC that Tom Wheeler was not expecting this kind of massive backlash to his net neutrality announcement last week. AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast have dozens of paid lobbyists surrounding the FCC daily, this is our way of fighting back.
Don't let the FCC break the Internet with a ‘fast lane’ and a ‘slow lane.’
Not only do we have Tom Wheeler’s attention, but two other FCC commissioners stepped up and publicly questioned Wheeler’s proposal in support of open Internet policy. [1] With the momentum growing, the press coverage we’ve received from the encampment has been amazing - the Guardian, CBC news, Al Jazeera, Democracy Now! and many other media outlets have been covering the action on the ground!
We have a real chance of winning this fight and keeping the Internet as a free and open platform for communication and expression, but we need everyone to help spread the word. This is getting bigger than anything the FCC expected - and it's only going to get bigger leading up to our big action on May 15.
If you’re in Washington, DC, Please come join us! We will be rallying outside the FCC every day from noon to 5 PM from now until May 15. And if you're especially dedicated bring your sleeping bag and camp out with us! The more people keeping up constant a presence outside the FCC, the more likely be will be to win net neutrality and defend freedom of speech online.
If you want to be a part of the campout, but you need help getting there, please reply to this e-mail. We’ve talked to people from as far as New York City and Boston to help bus them over to DC to join the encampment!
Last chance, click here to learn more about the encampment and take action for net neutrality.
For the Internet,
-Evan, Tiffiniy, and Kevin
Fight for the Future
P.S. If you know anyone in DC, please forward this email to them! Here’s the link with all the info about where and when the protests are happening.
----
[1] Dominic Rushe. “FCC under increased pressure over threat to net neutrality”. The Guardian. http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/08/fcc-net-neutrality-open-internet-google-facebook-amazon
Keep us fighting, chip in what you can.
BREAKING NEWS: Activists are on the ground in DC camping out for net neutrality! Click here to support them!
It’s happening. A group of dedicated net neutrality activists are gathering right now outside the FCC's headquarters in Washington DC. They brought, banners, signs and... sleeping bags.
These folks -- Internet users just like you and I -- are camping out in front of the FCC day and night until the agency hears the overwhelming cry of the public to reign in abusive telecom monopolies and keep the Internet equal for all.
Here’s the best part: it’s already working. Before a single protester had even shown up at the FCC’s doorstep, we got a call from Chairman Tom Wheeler’s office asking what our message was, and saying they may be interested in meeting with us. That ’s particularly interesting, since when we helped deliver more than 1 million net neutrality signatures to the FCC last month, they wouldn't meet with us. The press coverage on the action has been amazing.
Now we know for sure we have the FCC’s attention, since they’ll have to walk past our encampment every day when they come to work. We've heard from our contacts in DC that Tom Wheeler was not expecting this kind of massive backlash to his net neutrality announcement last week. AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast have dozens of paid lobbyists surrounding the FCC daily, this is our way of fighting back.
Don't let the FCC break the Internet with a ‘fast lane’ and a ‘slow lane.’
Not only do we have Tom Wheeler’s attention, but two other FCC commissioners stepped up and publicly questioned Wheeler’s proposal in support of open Internet policy. [1] With the momentum growing, the press coverage we’ve received from the encampment has been amazing - the Guardian, CBC news, Al Jazeera, Democracy Now! and many other media outlets have been covering the action on the ground!
We have a real chance of winning this fight and keeping the Internet as a free and open platform for communication and expression, but we need everyone to help spread the word. This is getting bigger than anything the FCC expected - and it's only going to get bigger leading up to our big action on May 15.
If you’re in Washington, DC, Please come join us! We will be rallying outside the FCC every day from noon to 5 PM from now until May 15. And if you're especially dedicated bring your sleeping bag and camp out with us! The more people keeping up constant a presence outside the FCC, the more likely be will be to win net neutrality and defend freedom of speech online.
If you want to be a part of the campout, but you need help getting there, please reply to this e-mail. We’ve talked to people from as far as New York City and Boston to help bus them over to DC to join the encampment!
Last chance, click here to learn more about the encampment and take action for net neutrality.
For the Internet,
-Evan, Tiffiniy, and Kevin
Fight for the Future
P.S. If you know anyone in DC, please forward this email to them! Here’s the link with all the info about where and when the protests are happening.
----
[1] Dominic Rushe. “FCC under increased pressure over threat to net neutrality”. The Guardian. http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/08/fcc-net-neutrality-open-internet-google-facebook-amazon
Keep us fighting, chip in what you can.
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