[Publib] Action needed on Net Neutrality bill

[Don Wood]

ALAWON: American Library Association Washington Office Newsline

Volume 15, Number 49

May 4, 2006

 

In This Issue: Action Needed on Net Neutrality Bill

 

Yesterday Representative Ed Markey (D-MA) sent a letter to his 

colleagues in the Congress asking for support of H.R. 5273, the 

"Network Neutrality Act of 2006," a bill he co-sponsored along 

with Representatives Boucher (D-VA), Eshoo (D-CA), and Inslee (D-

WA).

 

Please call your Members of Congress today and urge them to co-

sponsor this important legislation. 

 

Background:

Until now, all Internet content is equally accessible to users - 

it is not more difficult to access one website than another. But 

some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) want to change the rules - 

economically or technically - to allow favored access to some 

content providers for an added fee. 

 

If the nation's largest telephone and cable companies are allowed 

to limit access and discriminate against those who cannot pay 

higher tolls, then libraries, schools, colleges, non-profit 

groups, small businesses, independent publications and bloggers 

could be blocked from digital-age benefits and innovations.

 

Library advocates can make a difference by emphasizing the need 

for network neutrality and an open Internet and its importance to 

library users, businesses, education and the general public.

 

Key Messages:

Ask your Member of Congress co-sponsor H.R. 5273 and preserve 

network neutrality. Please feel free to use the following 

messages:

 

* Libraries are committed to the core principle of open and 

equitable access to information of all kinds. The Internet is 

built upon a similar principle that ensures the ability of all 

people to publish and access information without discriminatory 

barriers. 

 

* Libraries are both users and creators of Internet content.  It 

is critical for libraries to have non-discriminatory access to 

serve the public whether for those who come to libraries or those 

who remotely access library resources.

 

* H.R. 5273 is civil rights for the Internet.  It will ensure that 

the basic and essential principle of open and non-discriminatory 

access to all information will endure.

 

A copy of the bill is located here:

http://markey.house.gov/docs/telecomm/Markey%20Net%20Neutrality%20 

Act%20of%202006.pdf

 

 

 

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