Internet neutrality - open FCC comments - please send your letters!!!

The FCC has recently opened a forum and email address to send letters regarding internet neutrality.

Don't let Comcast and Time Warner decide which use of the internet is metered and why through their lobbyists. They already control a monopoly (practically)when it comes to internet service providers.

See John Oliver's commentary/show Here

Washington, D. C. 20554

TTY: 1-888-835-5322

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
May 15, 2014
Mark Wigfield, 202-418-0253
E-mail: mark.wigfield@fcc.gov

FCC LAUNCHES BROAD RULEMAKING ON HOW BEST TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE

THE OPEN INTERNET

Seeks Public Input over the Next Four Months to Find Most Viable Approach

Washington, D.C

. The Federal Communications Commission today launched a rulemaking seeking
public comment on how best to protect and promote an open Internet. The Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking adopted today poses a broad range of questions to elicit the broadest range of input from
everyone impacted by the Internet, from consumers and small businesses to providers and start-ups.
The Internet is Americas most important platform for economic growth, innovation, competition, free
expression, and broadband investment and deployment. The Internet has become an essential tool for
Americans and for the growth of American businesses. Thats because the Internet has been open to new
content, new products and new services, enabling consumers to choose whatever legal content, services
and applications they desire.
The FCC has previously concluded that broadband providers have the incentive and ability to act in ways
that threaten Internet openness. But today, there are no rules that stop broadband providers from trying to
limit Internet openness. That is why the Notice adopted by the FCC todays starts with a fundamental
question: What is the right public policy to ensure that the Internet remains open?
The FCC proposes to rely on a legal blueprint set out by the United States Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia Circuit in its January decision in Verizon v. FCC , using the FCCs authority to
promote broadband deployment to all Americans under Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of
1996. At the same time, the Commission will seriously consider using its authority under the
telecommunications regulation found in Title II of the Communications Act. In addition, the Notice:
Proposes to retain the definitions and scope of the 2010 rules, which governed broadband Internet
access service providers, but not services like enterprise services, Internet traffic exchange and
specialized services.
Proposes to enhance the existing transparency rule, which was upheld by the D.C. Circuit. The
proposed enhancements would provide consumers, edge providers, and the Commission with
tailored disclosures, including information on the nature of congestion that impacts consumers
use of online services and timely notice of new practices.
As part of the revived no-blocking rule, proposes ensuring that all who use the Internet can
enjoy robust, fast and dynamic Internet access.

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Tentatively concludes that priority service offered exclusively by a broadband provider to an
affiliate should be considered illegal until proven otherwise.
Asks how to devise a rigorous, multi-factor screen to analyze whether any conduct hurts
consumers, competition, free expression and civic engagement, and other criteria under a legal
standard termed commercial reasonableness.
Asks a series of detailed questions about what legal authority provides the most effective means
of keeping the Internet open: Section 706 or Title II.
Proposes a multi-faceted process to promptly resolve and head off disputes, including an
ombudsperson to act as a watchdog on behalf of consumers and start-ups and small businesses.
Action by the Commission May 15, 2014, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 14-61). Chairman
Wheeler and Commissioner Clyburn with Commissioner Rosenworcel concurring and Commissioners
Pai and ORielly dissenting. Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and
ORielly issuing statements.
-FCC-
News about the Federal Communications Commission can also be found
on the Commissions web site www.fcc.gov .

The Commission is considering proposed rules to protect an Open Internet. The proposed rules ask questions about how best to ensure the Internet remains an open platform for innovation and expression.

Chairman Wheeler is encouraging the public to share their views now. He intends to have rules of the road in place before the end of the year to protect consumers and entrepreneurs. He will be listening, and your comments will help inform the final rules.

Please send your thoughts to openinternet@fcc.gov .

Note: You will be filing a document into an official FCC proceeding. All information submitted, including names and addresses, will be publicly available via the web.