Google pleads for Net Neutrality

[Anti-Trend]

Large American telecommunications providers are poised to destroy the Internet as we know it, and technology giant Google is asking for your help. In response, here's the open letter I sent to my state's senator, Barbara Boxer:

Senator Boxer,

I urge you to voice the opinion of well-informed Californians and help us to preserve a free Internet. Specifically, I am imploring you to vote for enforceable network neutrality and help to maintain a level playing field for all of us. It is my deep and abiding conviction that such a course of action will help to keep the USA competitive in the international arena of information technology. To do otherwise would only serve the interests of a few corperations and their shareholders, not those of California or indeed the greater union.

Best regards,
-Christopher A. Wadge

I exhort you, follow Internet denizens, to do the same and contact your governmental representative with your strongly-worded opinion on the matter. It's as much our internet as anyone's, let's keep it that way.

 

[Addis]

I can see what you mean, but how will this affect other countries? What will be the consequences of this? I want to do something, but it seems to be aimed at US citizens.

 

[Anti-Trend]

I can see what you mean, but how will this affect other countries? What will be the consequences of this? I want to do something, but it seems to be aimed at US citizens.

You can help by putting "foreign" pressure on the US by placing a little pressure of your own on your local politicians.

 

[Anti-Trend]

Senator Boxer's reply:

Dear Mr. Wadge:



Thank you for contacting me regarding network neutrality, which is the principle that consumers should have access to the Internet content and applications of their choice without interference from network operators. I appreciate the opportunity to hear your views on this issue.



As a longtime advocate for network neutrality, I believe that network operators should facilitate, not stifle, Americans' access to the Internet. Individuals' ability to define and shape their experiences on the Internet has led to an explosion of creativity that has greatly benefited our economy and our lives. I fear that if network operators abandon the principle of network neutrality, the next generation of Internet innovators will be harmed.



That is why I am co-sponsoring S.2917, the Internet Freedom Preservation Act. This bill would prevent network operators from discriminating against their competitors' use of the network by giving certain content preferential treatment.



Congress is currently considering a number of bills on this issue, including S.2917. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over broadband and telecommunications issues, please be assured that I will keep fighting for legislation that will ensure that the Internet remains an engine of growth for commerce and ideas.


Again, thank you for writing to me. Please do not hesitate to contact me again about this or any other issue of concern to you.

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

Please visit my website: Barbara Boxer: US Senator from California