11/10/11 - Main Street Project commends Minnesota Senators Franken and Klobuchar for voting against anti-open Internet resolution
On Thursday, the U.S. Senate voted to defeat a "resolution of disapproval" that would have overturned the Federal Communication Commission's Open Internet (or 'net neutrality') rules established earlier this year.
Main Street Project applauds Minnesota Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar for their leadership in voting against this resolution.
"Today's vote is an important recognition of the role the Internet performs in people's daily lives. It is no longer a luxury; it is a utility that must be regulated accordingly," said Steven Renderos, Media Justice Program Director at Main Street Project.
Open Internet rules ensure that all information and online content is treated equally. Without those rules, giant corporations like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast have the power to dictate what information their customers can and can't receive. Currently, these protections only apply to wireline connections (i.e. cable, DSL) and leave wireless Internet virtually unprotected.
"With more communities of color and immigrants accessing the Internet exclusively on their cell phones, their experience online should be equally protected," said Renderos.
Main Street Project is a cultural organizing, media justice and economic development initiative. Its media justice program works to close the digital divide through advocacy and training.
MSP_Statment_on_CRA_11-10-1.pdf