Ghost of Midnight

FPF supports Net Neutrality

Please join us at Front Porch Forum in actively opposing the proposal to gut federal net neutrality rules. Act now before it’s too late: https://www.battleforthenet.com/

Today in the United States we have a free and open internet. Our current net neutrality rules support innovation and give all businesses the opportunity to compete equally for consumers. With strong net neutrality protections, the internet is an open marketplace where any business can compete, allowing individuals to start companies easily, market their products across the country, and connect with customers anywhere worldwide.

Because of the open internet, Michael and his wife were able to start Front Porch Forum out of their spare bedroom in 2006. VTDigger.org, MealTrain.com, Localvore.com, Dealer.com and other successful digital Vermont businesses have similar stories. Because of net neutrality, consumers and businesses have unfettered access to one another, increasing competition and consumer choice.

Disastrously, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released a draft order that would end this open commerce by repealing the current net neutrality rules and eliminating the protections that keep the internet free and open for America’s businesses and consumers.

Without these rules, internet service providers (e.g., Comcast) will be able to favor certain websites and e-businesses over others by putting some in fast lanes and slowing down or even blocking others. Businesses may have to pay a toll just to reach customers. This would put small and medium-sized businesses at a disadvantage and prevent innovative new ones from even getting off the ground. An internet without net neutrality protections would be the opposite of the open market, with a few powerful cable and phone companies picking winners and losers, instead of consumers.

For these reasons, Front Porch Forum supports net neutrality. Please join us in defending free-economy in the digital space by learning more and speaking up this week. Please check out the action steps outlined here:https://www.battleforthenet.com/ and http://verizonprotests.com/

And spread the word. Please encourage people you know in other states to contact their Congressional delegation immediately.

Thank you!

P.S. Portions of this statement come from a letter to the current FCC Chair from hundreds of tech businesses:
https://www.burlingtontelecom.com/bt-signs-fcc-letter-to-support-small-biz/