Broadband Access

Common Cause today cheered the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) plan to craft Open Internet (“net neutrality”) rules that will ensure the free flow of ideas and information online.

Growing signs that the Federal Communications Commission is poised to put its muscle behind the development of community-owned and operated broadband networks are uncommonly good news for Internet users, Common Cause said today.

All eyes are on the FCC this week as they gear up to release their proposed Open Internet rules, which they'll vote on at their February 26th meeting. Here's a preview of what's to come, and a few potential pitfalls:

Last week, Senator John Thune and allies proposed new telecommunications rules known as Title X. But taking a closer look, this bill falls far short of what we need to protect the Open Internet.

In a digital age, communities that have long been either the subject of debate or voiceless stereotype now have the means to control their own story. The open Internet provides a way to give the voices of the unheard shape, meaning, and direction.

Thanks to Sprint for sprinting ahead on the Open Internet, acknowledging what we have long known: strong net neutrality is good for consumers, competition, innovation and free expression online. Sprint’s competitors could learn a thing a thing or two from its corporate leadership. This is more evidence that it is time for the FCC to act on Title II reclassification.