Received this e-mail from Senator Cory Booker (D. NJ) today:
On the internet, we expect to be able to visit our favorite websites without any blocks or barriers.
But that could change: Earlier this year the DC Circuit Court struck down the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) rules on “Net Neutrality” -- the principle that gives equal treatment on the internet to businesses, community organizations and philanthropies, whether or not they know the right people or have a lot of money. As a result, the FCC must now rewrite the rules in a way that will not only protect a free and open Internet, but also holds up in court.
Last week word got out about the FCC's latest proposal, and frankly, I'm concerned.
Reports indicate the proposal could allow Internet service providers to create lanes for "first class" and "second class" content. Rather than starting on an equal playing field and letting the best content and applications rise to the top, like we've seen with the successes of Netflix, Google, and so many other startups, the next big innovator could go unseen -- relegated to the "second class" and ultimately failing to get off the launchpad.
Let me know if you agree with the principles behind "Net Neutrality" and share any other thoughts you have on the issue.
One of the most frustrating challenges we face in New Jersey and across the nation is a "digital divide": some communities have less access to the technological tools that have enabled the bright spots of growth in this tough economic environment.
I saw the digital divide as Mayor of Newark, I'm seeing it in cities across New Jersey, and working together we're making steady progress to address it.
But allowing internet service providers to discriminate against those who can't afford to pay their tolls could make this problem worse, not better.
This is an important issue for future innovators and for people living in disadvantaged communities across New Jersey and the country. Let me know if you agree:
http://act.corybooker.com/...
Thanks for sounding off -- this issue is too important for us to stay quiet.
Cory
Click here to give your feedback:
https://contribute.corybooker.com/...