A post on SaveTheInternet.com announces that HR 5252 has been defeated in Congress (background reading on network neutrality at Wikipedia). This is the famous “Anti Net Neutrality Bill” sponsored by Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens. Yes, the same Ted Stevens that gave us the following choice quotes:
“…an Internet was sent by my staff at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday, I got it yesterday. Why?”
“They want to deliver vast amounts of information over the Internet. And again, the Internet is not something you just dump something on. It’s not a big truck. It’s a series of tubes.”
Stevens’ bill would have stripped the section guaranteeing net neutrality from the upcoming rewrite of the Telecommunications Act. The bill was supported by massive lobbying by large telecommunication companies (AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, etc), who have spent over $150 million on lobbyists and disinformation campaigns like the below commercial aired nationwide on cable and network TV.
The bill’s recent defeat is a testament to the power of the individual citizen, despite the power of big business’s lobbyists. Over 1,000,000 people signed a petition delivered to Capitol Hill in support of net neutrality. It’s encouraging to see our elected representatives listen directly to their constituents in this manner.
It’s a bright day for network neutrality and internet users across America, however, nothing will be secure until network neutrality is passed into law. A number of bills are in the pipeline that would create meaningful and enforceable laws protecting net neutrality, so call your congresspeople today!
PS – You may continue to sign the petition for Network Neutrality at SaveTheInternet.com
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