Net neutrality is arguably one of the most contentious contemporary issues we, as a state and a country, will face and certainly one on the forefront of the more tech-minded. In essence, the Federal Communications Commission is attempting to stymie net neutrality, which is the principle that all online data is treated equally. To help bring attention to a proposal the FFC is backing, which would allow cable and internet companies to sell various connections at various prices, Beacon Hill will be swarmed with FCC opponents for an evening vigil.
Translation: You’d have to pay for faster and more consistent internet connections. And Bay Staters are fighting against it.
The greed of the FCC and supporting cable companies has been so transparent that droves of Americans, 3.9 million in fact according to the Washington Post, voiced their concerns with the organization.
Given the wide-sweeping outcry against the FCC’s intentions, the organization has backtracked a bit and, according to the New York Times, revised its proposal and is now supporting one that would “establish a divide between ‘wholesale’ and ‘retail’ transactions.” A formal proposal could be put forth by the FCC as early as sometime this November, noted the Times.
Few people have summed up just how despicable the FCC attempted stranglehold over the world wide web is better than John Oliver. His rant from over the summer needs no introduction:
Massachusetts residents will be rallying against the FCC and its misguided attempts at owning the internet by staging a vigil on Thursday, November 6, beginning at 6 p.m.
Net neutrality advocates will meet at the Massachusetts State House, on Beacon Hill and all are encouraged to participate. Just be sure to bring “A cell phone, laptop, tablet, flashlight, glowstick, or candle, to shine light on the corruption unfolding in our government. If you can, hold the device you use to connect to the Internet over your head in protest,” according to the Facebook event page.
“We need a massive response RIGHT NOW to show President Obama, the FCC, and the world that the Internet will accept nothing less than lasting net neutrality through Title II reclassification,” added the page administrators.
Boston isn’t the only city advocating for net neutrality on the 6th. People will be gathering at the White House to further exemplify their opposition to the FCC and President Obama, who appointed FCC Chair Tom Wheeler and all of the subsequent commissioners.
