Groups Nationally + Philly address the Federal Communications Commission on Net Neutrality

Right now there is a major push for net-neutrality, a set of guidelines that would keep content on the internet open and by ways of this cheaper. As these guidelines have been developed there has been backlash against the Federal Communications Commission, the government agency that regulates communications, in order to protect the interest of large telecommunications companies at the expense of internet users. John McCain for example introduced a bill yesterday to prevent the FCC from implementing these needed regulations.

Media and Democracy Coalition submitted a letter to the FCC with support from civil rights organizations, community organizations, and digital inclusion advocates from across the country. Several Philadelphia based groups signed on including, Philadelphia Community Access Media, the Digital Impact Group, the Philadelphia Student Union, EvolveFoundation, the Philadelphia Digital Justice Coalition and Media Mobilizing Project.
 
From the letter:
"Undoubtedly, the Internet has revolutionized the civic, economic and social fabric of modern society.



However, it is well documented that people of color and low-income
individuals are among the least-connected segments of the U.S.
population. In 2009, 46% of African Americans had broadband at home,
and only 35% of households with incomes $20,000 and under had access,
compared to the national average of 63% of adult Americans.   That
means millions of African Americans and low income individuals fail to
get jobs that their connected neighbors get; their children struggle
more to complete their homework; and their voices are not heard as
loudly in important civic debates.  The very real divides between race
and class in U.S. society continue to be perpetuated on the Internet. 



We applaud the FCC and the Obama Administration for its work in
crafting a National Broadband Plan, which could lead to improved
broadband access and adoption for our communities. We urge you to be
bold and aggressive as you develop that plan."
 
Read the full letter.

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