In an effort to preserve Internet freedom, Markey led recent call for FCC to reclassify broadband as a utility under Title II

Washington (September 10, 2014) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today joined ranks with companies, advocates and national organizations throughout the country in the online “Battle for Net Neutrality” and Internet Slowdown, the online effort to highlight the importance of protecting net neutrality and an open and free Internet. Today, Senator Markey’s website will be covered with a symbolic “loading” icon to remind visitors what an Internet with slow and fast lanes would look like. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently considering a proposal that could allow broadband providers to charge websites, applications, and services more for faster delivery times to consumers3. 

“Net neutrality is as basic to the functioning of the Internet as nondiscrimination is to the U.S. Constitution. An open Internet enables freedom of expression and the sharing of ideas across town or across the globe.  That openness is at stake if the FCC allows broadband behemoths to play traffic cop, discriminating against some, while letting those who can afford to sail on by.

“Today, I stand in solidarity with the ‘net-izens’ of the world to show what the Internet would look like with fast and slow lanes. The battle for net neutrality is the battle for our online future. I urge the FCC to reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service under Title II, which will enable the Commission to put the strongest rules on the books to prevent discrimination.”

In July, Senator Markey and twelve Senate Democrats called on the FCC to reclassify the transmission component of broadband Internet access as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Telecommunications Act. The FCC comment period on its net neutrality proposal ends September 15.