Christopher Loch

Net Neutrality Preserves Quality Internet

I am a small screen printing business owner who has been able to take advantage of the openness of the internet as it has been up until now in order to create a thriving business that markets to a niche that would otherwise be unmarketable. I am not rich and I was not raised rich, but I have been able to climb out of debt and really become more financially secure.

Without net neutrality that would never have been possible. Without net neutrality all the people who want screen printing would inevitably be lead to the websites of the biggest companies with the most money. They'd never find my website.

The open and free internet that is due to net neutrality has been the biggest economic boom in history and there are no signs of it stopping any time soon.

Killing net neutrality can only be seen as a big favor to big business, so that they can stamp out the small businesses that collectively compete with them. That will mean the consumer will lose in the long run when WalMart starves the small businesses out of business. When they don't have competition, the big businesses simply raise the prices. That's been proven throughout history.

Comcast just bought out Time Warner Cable, and my internet bill went up $15 just like that. It was no surprise that that would happen.

Not only are consumers hurt, but by squeezing the small business owners who create the real innovations in technology and commerce, the US economy will be stifled hugely. There will be less middle class people to shop. Those that still can will be able to afford less.

Please do not get rid of net neutrality. Instead invigorate it, enforce it, and make it stronger and more favorable to the little people and the middle people. Society can only gain from that.

Sincerely,
Christopher Loch
owner, CONTEMPL8 T-SHIRTS