BURLINGTON, Vt. - Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) urges Vermonters to make their views known to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) about its plan to allow internet service providers to create a fast lane on the internet for large corporate customers willing to pay a fee to move their content ahead of other internet users. Welch, a longtime advocate of a free and open internet, strongly opposes the FCC plan. He is joined at the press conference by Mark Heyman from Logic Supply and John Kitonis from Inntopia.com.
“Creating a fast lane on the internet for those who can afford it is a gift to internet service providers and bad for consumers, entrepreneurs, and an open democracy,” Welch said. “Now is the time for concerned Vermonters to speak up by encouraging the FCC to maintain a free and open internet for all users.”
On April 26, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced a proposal to eliminate its policy of ‘net neutrality’ under which all users have equal access to the internet. The notice of proposed rulemaking is expected to be voted on by FCC Commissioners later this week on Thursday, May 18. If approved, that action will initiate a new rulemaking process to gut the agency’s open internet policy. The comment period will remain open until August 16.
Vermonters wishing to make their views known to the FCC in advance of Thursday’s vote can complete an online comment form at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express.
In the ‘Proceeding(s)’ box, enter ’17-108’ or ‘restoring internet freedom’.
