Published:
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Yesterday, Governor Jay Inslee sent a letter to FCC Chairman Wheeler urging him to delay a vote on proposed rules that would allow Internet service providers to discriminate among lawful content providers changing the free and open nature of the Internet.
The proposed rules would allow service providers, like Comcast or Verizon, to charge major content providers higher fees to have their content move through the network in a “fast lane.” This would essentially mean that large providers could have their content delivered to the public more easily than providers that lack significant funding. The change would fundamentally alter the net neutrality principles that have allowed the Internet to become a true marketplace of ideas.
The Internet is an amazing platform for free and open communication and expression because all content currently flows through the network on equal footing. Big corporations and small local activists are able to create content, share it online, and have it delivered to consumers or end users at the same speed. If the net neutrality rules that require this equal treatment are changed as the new rules propose, the smaller players will likely find their online voices slowed or buried. This would be a huge loss for free expression and democratic debate.
We commend the Governor for taking a stand on this important issue and hope that the FCC takes action to protect the open nature of the Internet.
A copy of the Governor’s letter can be found here.
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