THURSDAY: Net Neutrality Supporters to Rally Outside Final FCC Meeting of 2014

WASHINGTON — Supporters of the open Internet will gather outside the FCC's headquarters on Thursday morning to urge the agency to pass strong Net Neutrality rules under Title II of the Telecommunications Act.

The Dec. 11 event will precede the agency's monthly meeting and will feature brief remarks from leaders of the Net Neutrality movement, including Free Press President and CEO Craig Aaron. Others will read selected public comments from the FCC’s open Internet proceeding. The rally will also feature signs and creative props designed to remind Chairman Wheeler that the public is still watching and waiting for real Net Neutrality action.

The rally comes at a pivotal moment in the fight for the open Internet. In November, President Obama issued a statement supporting reclassification of Internet service providers under Title II. In response to this and the broader public demand for strong rules, Wheeler pushed a vote on Net Neutrality to 2015.

Since the FCC’s open Internet proceeding began earlier this year, a record-breaking 4 million people have submitted comments. Nearly all commenters share Obama's concerns and have urged the FCC to protect Internet users’ rights and prevent a few powerful phone and cable companies from controlling the future of communications.

Here are the details:

What: Rally to Save the Internet: Net Neutrality Now
When: Thurs., Dec. 11, 9–10 a.m.
Where: Outside FCC headquarters, 445 12th St. SW, Washington, D.C.

“Wheeler claims he needs more time to mull over Net Neutrality, but he should have all the info he needs right now to safeguard the open Internet,” said Free Press Field Director Mary Alice Crim. “Americans can't afford any further delays. The overwhelming public support for Title II protections is all the agency needs to take immediate action."

If you have questions, please contact Timothy Karr at 201-533-8838 or via email: tkarr@freepress.net.