Mayor Soglin Joins Mayor De Blasio and Other Mayors from Around the Country in Submitting a Joint Letter to the Federal Communications Commission
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Cities & Tech Industry Join in a Day of Action in Opposition of Federal Communications Commission Repeal of Net Neutrality
Madison Mayor Paul Soglin joined mayors of New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, District of Columbia and 42 other cities in submitting a letter urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to maintain the current rules protecting the free and open internet. By prohibiting blocking, prioritization and other discriminatory practices, these rules enforce openness, equity, and nondiscrimination. The rules enable the internet to thrive as a platform for the innovation that will drive the future American economy.
The letter, addressed to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, reinforces the nondiscrimination principles first called for in a 2014 U.S. Conference of Mayors resolution:
· Commitment to transparency;
· The free flow of information over the internet;
· No blocking of lawful websites;
· No unreasonable discrimination of lawful network traffic; and
· No paid prioritization
"As we work to bring equity and economic growth to our entire community, net neutrality is essential and an absolute fundamental right," said Mayor Soglin. "All residents of Madison, and of course the entire country, should have equal access to the internet without the threat of discrimination."
July 12, 2017 has been designated as the Day of Action to Save Net Neutrality. Notable websites, companies, and organizations are organizing action and encouraging public comments against the FCC efforts to repeal net neutrality.
The FCC’s 2015 Order Protecting and Promoting the Open Internet under then-Chair Tom Wheeler reclassified internet service as a telecommunication service under Title II of the Telecommunications Act. The move came after a lengthy legal and regulatory process during which nearly 4 million people submitted comments, mostly in favor of strong open internet protections under Title II.
In 2014, Mayor Soglin co-authored a letter signed by numerous other mayors asking the FCC to issue the strongest possible rules to guarantee net neutrality.
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