Democracy Wire

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.

More than 80 percent percent of Americans support regulations that would keep the Internet open to everyone. But net neutrality is hanging by a thread, as telecom industry giants and the anti-net neutrality lobby spent more than $42.8 million on the 2014 elections to elect candidates who would give them free rein to eliminate important consumer protections and establish fast and slow lanes online.

The FCC is gearing up to vote on net neutrality at its February meeting

I spoke with Thom Hartmann about the telecom industry's attacks on a free and open internet