Press Release
More than 13,000 Americans File Comments Asking the FCC to Protect an Open Internet
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
WASHINGTON -- With the approach of a midnight deadline tonight for comments on the Federal Communications Commission's proposed rules to safeguard the open Internet, thousands of individuals from all walks of life, as well as small businesses, civil rights groups and women's groups, are calling for a strong Net Neutrality rule.
"The public comments leave no doubt that Americans who care about the future of the Internet want strong Net Neutrality rules," said Craig Aaron, senior program director of Free Press, which coordinates the SavetheInternet.com Coalition.
"It's inspiring to read the comments of entrepreneurs and bloggers, ministers and teachers, who all agree that the FCC must keep the Internet open and free from discrimination."
The FCC has received nearly 15,000 comments, the overwhelming majority from those demanding that the FCC craft strong and enforceable Net Neutrality rules without loopholes. To see highlights from these comments, updated throughout the day, go to: http://fccdocket.posterous.com.
Among the filings today is a letter signed by 100 small-business owners from across the country who agree that Net Neutrality is "essential to the growth of America's small-business sector and to the revitalization of the broader U.S. economy." The letter adds that only clear and robust Net Neutrality rules will allow small businesses to compete on a level playing field in the growing global marketplace.
More than a dozen women's groups -- including the Feminist Majority, the National Organization for Women, Women Who Tech and MomsRising -- submitted a letter to the FCC supporting Net Neutrality and noting that "the Internet is the only open platform where women can express their own views and post their own material without permission from media gatekeepers."
More than 20 social justice and civil rights groups -- including the National Association of Latino Independent Producers, Progressive National Baptist Convention, National Association of Hispanic Journalists and ColorofChange.org -- also submitted a letter to the FCC. "For marginalized communities, the Internet offers a transformative opportunity to build a more equitable media system," the letter stated. "The Internet provides communities with the lowest barrier of entry of any medium to establishing an online presence or media company. It enables us to speak to the masses without first seeking the approval of a gatekeeper. This will only continue to be possible with strong Network Neutrality rules enforced by the Federal Communications Commission."
"The overflowing FCC docket is testimony to the broad and growing support for Net Neutrality," Aaron said. "Millions of Americans are counting on the FCC to make clear rules that will protect everyone’s ability to innovate and communicate, close any loopholes, and safeguard the Internet for future generations."
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
"The public comments leave no doubt that Americans who care about the future of the Internet want strong Net Neutrality rules," said Craig Aaron, senior program director of Free Press, which coordinates the SavetheInternet.com Coalition.
"It's inspiring to read the comments of entrepreneurs and bloggers, ministers and teachers, who all agree that the FCC must keep the Internet open and free from discrimination."
The FCC has received nearly 15,000 comments, the overwhelming majority from those demanding that the FCC craft strong and enforceable Net Neutrality rules without loopholes. To see highlights from these comments, updated throughout the day, go to: http://fccdocket.posterous.com.
Among the filings today is a letter signed by 100 small-business owners from across the country who agree that Net Neutrality is "essential to the growth of America's small-business sector and to the revitalization of the broader U.S. economy." The letter adds that only clear and robust Net Neutrality rules will allow small businesses to compete on a level playing field in the growing global marketplace.
More than a dozen women's groups -- including the Feminist Majority, the National Organization for Women, Women Who Tech and MomsRising -- submitted a letter to the FCC supporting Net Neutrality and noting that "the Internet is the only open platform where women can express their own views and post their own material without permission from media gatekeepers."
More than 20 social justice and civil rights groups -- including the National Association of Latino Independent Producers, Progressive National Baptist Convention, National Association of Hispanic Journalists and ColorofChange.org -- also submitted a letter to the FCC. "For marginalized communities, the Internet offers a transformative opportunity to build a more equitable media system," the letter stated. "The Internet provides communities with the lowest barrier of entry of any medium to establishing an online presence or media company. It enables us to speak to the masses without first seeking the approval of a gatekeeper. This will only continue to be possible with strong Network Neutrality rules enforced by the Federal Communications Commission."
"The overflowing FCC docket is testimony to the broad and growing support for Net Neutrality," Aaron said. "Millions of Americans are counting on the FCC to make clear rules that will protect everyone’s ability to innovate and communicate, close any loopholes, and safeguard the Internet for future generations."
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
