This past Wednesday, the Senate voted on the issue of net neutrality. In December, the FCC, under chairman Ajit Pai, voted to repeal Obama-era consumer protections that prevented ISPs from blocking or slowing connections to certain websites. The repeal, opposed unanimously as an action endorsing corporate fascism, put a bad taste in the mouth of 86% of voters across the political spectrum. Upon seeing the ramifications of the repeal, Internet providers like AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, and more would be able to charge more for certain sites, in a cable-package-like format. Imagine paying not only the base cost of your connection but also paying an extra monthly fee for each type of content you want to access: social media, streaming services, games, etc. Luckily for us U.S. citizens, the Senate voted to nullify the repeal and keep our Internet free and, well, neutral.

Unfortunately, the fight for our rights to an open Internet isn’t over yet. The matter will also have to pass in the House of Representatives to stop the FCC’s decision. Let this article serve as a call to action – phone or e-mail your local House Representative and move them to support Net Neutrality and stop the FCC. Beyond paying more for your Internet access, the repeal of Internet protections could have disastrous effects on everybody. Small businesses and startups that rely on their websites being known and accessible will falter when they can’t afford to pay ISPs to permit user access to them. U.S. Internet service in general, which is already slower, less reliable, and more expensive than any other first-world country, will get worse (another product of corporate manhandling). All in all, we as the American people need to work together to stop this menace and preserve our online freedom. Contact your representatives and spread the word that Net Neutrality must be saved.

Photo Credits to districtdispatch.org