Today, Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Senator Patrick Leahy ( D-VT) introduced the Online Competition and Consumer Choice Act to stop paid prioritization from making its way into the Federal Communication Commission's new neutrality rules. Paid prioritization would allow ISPs to split their internet services into tiers with a single tier reserved for those who could afford to pay extra for higher speeds.
The following can be attributed to Chris Lewis, Vice President of Government Affairs at Public Knowledge:
“Public Knowledge supports Representative Matsui and Senator Leahy as they introduce the Online Competition and Consumer Choice Act today. Many Americans, investors, legislators, and business owners have expressed concerns that the net neutrality proposal from the FCC's Chairman, Tom Wheeler, will allow ISPs to create internet fast lanes where those who can't afford to pay extra are left behind.
“This bill sends a clear signal to the FCC that fast lanes and paid prioritization could endanger the internet ecosystem as we know it. The reason we have seen so much financial investment and innovation online is because the playing field for new entrepreneurs is level. As the FCC continues to evaluate new net neutrality rules, it's important they understand that Americans want an internet that everyone can succeed in, not just the companies with enough money to pay a toll to ISPs.”
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