Joanna Brown

Net neutrality means equal opportunity

It is now clear that executives of phone and cable companies want to become the Internet's gatekeepers and to discriminate against Web sites that don't pay their added tolls.

This fundamental change in the Internet would create a "two tiered" system of information and access in this country. Just when the digital divide is beginning to lessen, this construct of "super highway" versus "dirt road" would give large, wealthy companies a built in advantage over smaller ones. Most important, it would relegate many non-profit organizations, charitable causes, and individuals to lesser access to the resources and power of the internet.

Most important, it will limit the participation of less wealthy citizens and small businesses in our 21st century economy and in our democratic process.

The FCC must ensure that the Internet does not become something that only benefits the wealthy. Please keep net neutrality.