Playahata

Corporate hardliners in the Senate are rushing to push through a measure to give phone and cable companies absolute, unrestricted power over the Internet. Called a “resolution of disapproval,” this measure would destroy all existing Net Neutrality protections and strip the FCC of its authority to protect Internet users – letting companies block our right to speak freely, connect with one another and share information on the Internet.

We need just 51 votes in the Senate to stop this free speech-killing measure in its tracks. Take action now to stand up for online freedom.

Late Monday, a majority of the FCC’s commissioners indicated that they’re going to vote with Chairman Julius Genachowski for a toothless Net Neutrality rule. According to all reports, the rule, which will be voted on during tomorrow’s FCC meeting, falls drastically short of earlier pledges by President Obama and the FCC Chairman to protect the free and open Internet.

The rule is so riddled with loopholes that it’s become clear that this FCC chairman crafted it with the sole purpose of winning the endorsement of AT&T and cable lobbyists, and not defending the interests of the tens of millions of Internet users.

Welcome to AT&T’s Internet

For the first time in history of telecommunications law the FCC has given its stamp of approval to online discrimination. Instead of a rule to protect Internet users’ freedom to choose, the Commission has opened the door for broadband payola – letting phone and cable companies charge steep tolls to favor the content and services of a select group of corporate partners, relegating everyone else to the cyber-equivalent of a winding dirt road. (more…)