To #SaveNetNeutrality
On December 14, 2017, I left Penn Station just after 6am on a train to Washington, DC. On a cold, blistery winter day, I joined the collective voice of the FCC’s own Commissioner Rosenworcel, house members, consumer protections organizations and many others just feet from the steps of the FCC to speak out against the planned repeal of net neutrality. And, while disappointing but not surprising, the vote went the way we didn’t want, what I said and what so many others said still matters. An open internet still matters.
By the time I got off the train back in NYC, I’d already made several calls to other CTOs and CIOs to discuss what we can do next. While 65 U.S. mayors submitted a signed letter to the FCC to keep meaningful net neutrality protections, we agreed that there is still much more that cities can do.
You can read what I said on December 14, 2017, on the steps of the FCC, and tell me what you think. Even better, if you agree, find the inspiration to keep speaking out against the FCC on this vote. The work hasn’t ended for me, it’s only just begun, especially now that the FCC has declared the new order. So, I hope that you’ll join me. Stay tuned for more to come and read on…
“New York City joins millions of people, hundreds of community organizations, and local leaders — raising our voice in opposition of dismantling net neutrality protections. To #SaveNetNeutrality.
Unlike our representatives at the FCC, we won’t ignore 13,000 pages of Net Neutrality complaints filed by New Yorkers and other consumers.
NYC Mayor de Blasio has been at the forefront, along with other cities, including San Francisco’s late Mayor Ed Lee, speaking loudly in disagreement of the FCC.
Rallying the public to comment on the FCC vote, calling to repeal net neutrality, calling on elected leaders, co-signing letters, issuing public statements — all in protection of a fair and open internet
A free and open internet forms the backbone of the 21st Century economy.
And, as leaders of local communities, we understand too well that the vote today is a fundamental threat to consumer protection, opportunity, and the creation of new ideas.
Today’s efforts to dismantle Net Neutrality, notwithstanding serious legal deficiencies, represents a stark, inexplicable, and unwarranted attack on our communities and residents.
Today, too many people in low income communities already can’t afford the internet. Reversing net neutrality protections will only increase unfairness and inequality in our communities.
20% of New Yorkers, that’s 1.6 million people, don’t have internet in their homes. They are already blocked by affordability and availability.
They don’t have the luxury to upgrade service.
They can’t pay additional fees in order to complete their homework or search for jobs.
To be clear, they shouldn’t have to.
For these people, the best alternative is to leave their home, go to their public library, between the hours of 8 and 5, and wait in long lines with so many others seeking the same opportunity.
While these important community institutions are doing their best to serve this public need. Even they will be impacted by the actions of the FCC.
It is also a disproportional burden on our small businesses and start-ups.
Small businesses must be able to connect to customers online to compete in today’s connected market. Over 98% of businesses in NYC are small businesses.
Voting to repeal net neutrality is an unconscionable act against the current and future innovators, small business owners and entrepreneurs of NYC — and in every corner of America.
The same issue holds true for technology startups in New York City and our country. Without net neutrality rules, incumbent ISP’s will unfairly tip the scales in their favor, or in favor of companies with the resources to pay.
Connectivity is not only the foundation for education and economic opportunity, it’s also the future of our cities — working to leverage technology to better serve our people.
That future is now in jeopardy.
These actions come at a time when the ISPs with interest in a repeal are selling “smart cities” products — inserting themselves between our residents and critical city services, such as transportation, sanitation, public safety and more.
As we integrate connectivity into city operations, every resident must have access to services without being subject to the business model of an ISP.
I am here to tell you, as the FCC steps back, New York City steps up. We can’t stop. We won’t stop. Our fight for net neutrality. We won’t stop protecting the Internet. We will fight to keep it open, neutral and fair to all users.
In New York City, we are moving toward a system of transparency and accountability, so our residents can know if they are getting the fast, reliable, equitable and open internet service they’ve promised.
This is only the beginning of our work, not the end. As I look around today, I know that we are not alone. The weather might be cold, but our passion, our movement, is red hot!!
New York City is part of this global movement. Cities and grassroots organizers taking action. Ensuring universal, affordable high-speed internet service. Protecting online privacy and ensuring that everyone who uses the internet can do so without throttling or paid prioritization…regardless of what ISPs want.
But local leadership must be met with national leadership. The Internet must remain open, neutral and fair for everyone.
I am excited about the future ahead. We will create unprecedented opportunity. But, I want everyone to have access to it — the chance to participate in our democracy, the future economy and modern society. So, we must protect the open internet TODAY to ensure the future we are building is accessible to everyone.
Because if the internet isn’t fair, how can our future be fair? Everyone needs access to the future we create. And, the future being developed with the repeal of these rules will only serve those who can afford it, leaving everyone else behind.”
