Today is
Big Telecom vs. The World day, when a huge coalition of international organizations is mobilizing for net neutrality. As the joint statement reads,
If we don’t speak out for the open Internet now, it will be hard to turn back. This is why we need you to voice support for net neutrality and stop the Internet slow lane before it’s too late.
That's just the beginning of action opportunities leading up to September 15th, the last day for providing comment to the FCC on net neutrality. The FCC will stop taking public comment on the 15th, but isn't expected to take a final vote until November at the very earliest. That gives us plenty of time to make our voices heard, but the next week is going to be critical. Here's what you can do.
First, add your voice today in the international day of action.
This Wednesday, on September 10th join the Internet Slow Down, by putting a widget on your website which illustrates what would happen if Big Telecom carves the internet into fast and slow lanes. This doesn't actually slow your site down, but provides a graphic that shows how long it would take your page to load if you were on the slow lane.
Monday, September 15th is the final day of public comment, and activists will be having big lunchtime rallies in New York and Philadelphia to save net neutrality and fight the Comcast-Time Warner Cable merger. If you're in one of those two cities, join in. But you don't have to be in one of those cities, because you can create your own event, and Daily Kos will help get the word out. Join the Daily Kos action network on net neutrality here, and create a rally on September 15 in your city.
Watch for more opportunities to make your voice heard in the coming weeks. For example, Rep. Doris Matsui will be hosting a public forum with FCC Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel on September 24th in Sacramento. The coalition to save the internet is pushing our elected leaders for more of these forums, and we'll keep you posted on your opportunities to participate.
And if you haven't already done it, please, take a moment to sign and send a personal comment to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler urging him to do the right thing.