Max Walker

Keep the Internet Free (as in libre) and Open

Net Neutrality is essential to free speech, equal opportunity and economic innovation in America. Since the FCC removed this basic protection in 2005, the top executives of phone and cable companies have stated their intention to become the Internet's gatekeepers and to discriminate against Web sites that don't pay their added tolls.

This fundamental change would end the open Internet as we know it. It would damage my ability to connect with others, share information and participate in our 21st century democracy and economy. The FCC must ensure that broadband providers do not block, interfere with or discriminate against any lawful Internet traffic based on its ownership, source or destination.

I use a variety of services on my broadband internet connect, including VOIP, non-ISP email services, non-ISP news services, etc. Without Net Neutrality, any of these basic uses could be threatened. Without Net Neutrality, I could find myself locked into an ISP's services, effectively trapped into a monopoly as the ISP monopolizes and controls my internet activity. Such an internet is unthinkable! It would stifle innovation and citizen participation in the national conversation. This must not happen. Allow ISPs to compete, yes, but not to monopolize or control internet usage.

Please protect the principles of Net Neutrality.