Net neutrality is under attack again by the FCC but there's still time to fight! Here's what we can do before the FCC's upcoming vote on December 14th.
A brief overview of the FCC's plan to kill net neutrality
Net neutrality seems to be on everyone's mind right now as we steel ourselves for the FCC's upcoming vote on December 14. It seems the top priority for these Trump-appointed FCC members is to overturn the net neutrality regulations that were hard won under the last administration. Next month's vote to do just that is very likely to pass by a three-to-two margin. Right now, the Internet is classified as a public utility under Title II. This allows each Internet user the ability to do what they want online, without preferential treatment given to some websites that would make them faster than others. That's one of the biggest concerns, that without net neutrality, the Internet will become like two lanes of traffic: the high-speed lane in which the industry's bigwigs and corporations pay for faster delivery speeds, and the throttled slow lane for everyone else, including startups and lesser-known companies that can't afford the fast lane.
Other concerns are that ISPs might block certain websites and apps and/or set arbitrary data usage caps for users. ISPs could also charge more for the websites and services you want to use, or try to sell you bundles including some of what you want with some of what you don't want. If the bigwigs have to pay carriers to be in the fast lane, the expenses will probably trickle down to the user as a result. That's not the kind of future we envisioned for the Internet.
Ting's official stance
All of us here at Ting are passionate about the Internet and we've been outspoken advocates for net neutrality. We’ve lobbied for it, signed industry letters to Congress, and on Net Neutrality Action Day, we focused our social media accounts on the cause encouraging everyone to take action.
We want you to know that even if the laws do change here in the U.S., we will never block, throttle or otherwise interfere with the online activity of our customers.
What can you do right now?
Do you agree that something doesn't seem right about how a few unelected FCC officials are given authority to roll back laws we've fought long and hard for? There's still time to make your voice heard.
Attend a protest
Because the new chairman of the FCC, Ajit Pai, was a top lawyer at Verizon (one of the companies pushing for deregulation) Battle for the Net has planned for a protest outside of Verizon stores all across the U.S. The date of the protest is December 7, that's less than a week away so mark your calendar. For more information, visit Battle for the Net.
Contact the FCC's Chairman
There's a possibility that if we turn up the heat, we may convince the FCC to change course. Send Ajit Pai an email and tell him your thoughts on preserving net neutrality: Ajit.Pai@fcc.gov
Call your representatives in Congress
Though this vote lies in the hands of the FCC, there's some hope that Congress may be able to stop them from ending net neutrality. Even if you have already written them, please give your representatives a call and let them know how you feel. Not sure what to say? No worries, Battle for the Net provides a suggested script that you can follow.
Small businesses, send a message to Congress
Do you own a startup or small business? Here's your chance to tell Congress why net neutrality is crucial to your business. Share your story with them here.
File a complaint with the FCC
Use the map on this page to find a town hall meeting near you and show up in full force: battleforthenet.com Tell Congress to oppose any attempt by Chairman Pai to roll back the FCC's net neutrality protections: EFF.org Write the FCC and ask them to reconsider their decision: FCC.org You can call the FCC at 1-888-225-5322. At the prompt, press 1, then 4, then 2, then 0 to be connected to an agent and file a complaint. You can also email Ajit Pai and let him know what you think: Ajit.Pai@fcc.gov Own a small business? Petition Congress to pass the CRA. Further reading: 4 Misleading Things ISPs And The FCC Need To Stop Claiming About Net Neutrality
You can also call the FCC toll-free at 1-888-225-5322. At the prompt, press 1, then 4, then 2, then 0 to be connected to an agent and file a complaint.
Spread the word
Copy and paste the above actions, then pass them along on social media. If you own a website or blog of your own, you might want to place a banner or a call to action to get your audience involved. See Battle for the Net's page for images and examples of code.
