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Network Neutrality
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On January 14th NHMC submitted comments to the FCC on why an open and neutral Internet is essential to Latino advancement. Our comments, which can be read here, explained that “[network neutrality] principles are necessary to ensure that all people – especially people of color, who have been traditionally under and misrepresented on mainstream media – enjoy opportunities to share their stories fairly and accurately. The Internet is one of the very few places where Latinos can respond to the vitriolic anti-Latino rhetoric that airs unopposed on some mainstream media outlets.” NHMC also conveyed that “the proposed rules will guarantee that all people with broadband access can pursue educational, occupational, medical and other important prospects, allowing Latinos and other communities of color to exercise their rights to fully participate in this country’s democracy.” On January 22nd at the Minority Media and Telecommunication Council’s Broadband and Social Justice Summit, FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn commended NHMC for our advocacy of open Internet principles, quoting directly from our comments (the Commissioner’s remarks are available at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-295888A1.pdf). That same day, Jessica Gonzalez partnered with the Media Access Project’s Parul Desai to blog about the importance of network neutrality for communities of color (that piece can be read here). On April 26th NHMC submitted reply comments to the FCC, underlining the important accomplishments that Latino small business owners and content creators have achieved because of open Internet policies (those comments are available at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7020438475. In April the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued an opinion in Comcast v. FCC. Comcast v. FCC not only undermines the FCC's authority to implement network neutrality rules, it also calls into question the FCC's ability to enact many portions of its National Broadband Plan that involve consumer protection and expanding affordable broadband access. In response, NHMC signed onto a letter with the Open Internet Coalition, urging the FCC to reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service so that it may enact net neutrality rules and carry out its duties under the National Broadband Plan. To learn more about the consequences of Comcast v. FCC, you can read FCC General Counsel Austin Schlick's blog at http://blog.broadband.gov/?entryId=356610. This month FCC Chairman Genachowski released a plan designed to allow the FCC to protect consumers and expand broadband access while minimizing regulatory burdens on broadband providers. Other organizations representing people of color that are supporting network neutrality include:
NHMC Joins Latinos for Internet Freedom This week NHMC joined Latinos for Internet Freedom, a collection of organizations dedicated to preserving an open and neutral internet. Latinos for Internet Freedom include: * La Asamblea de Derechos Civiles Supporting Organizations * ColorofChange.org Click here to read the full details.
Net Neutrality and Income: Internet access shouldn't be limited by income Net neutrality has become the new digital divide. You remember the divide: When the Internet was new, we worried how Web access would widen the gap between those who could afford it and everyone else.
The consensus was that minority communities could not afford computers or access to the Internet so they would be left behind. We don't talk about the digital divide as much as we used to. Part of the reason is that minorities are using their mobile phone devices to access the Web to find and share news and information. According to a study done by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, almost two-thirds of African-Americans (64 percent) and Latinos (63 percent) are wireless users of the Internet, and minorities are more likely to own cell phones than are their Anglo counterparts (87 percent of African Americans and Hispanics own cell phones, compared with 80 percent of Anglos). More and more, Latinos go online with their cell phones because it's affordable. What does this have to do with Net neutrality? The idea of Net neutrality is as old as the Internet. It means the Internet and the information that flows through it should be available to everyone. No one should have different or better access to the Web. There are some large corporate Internet providers who feel that because they own the spigot through which we get the Internet, they should have the option to charge more for certain types of content. So faster speeds for video, for instance, would cost more money. This idea is backed by free market proponents, who say the market will take care of any needed adjustments. But it's an idea that takes the neutrality out of the Net. The Internet would become different for different people, depending on their ability to pay for it. The Federal Communications Commission has decided it has the legal wherewithal to regulate in favor of a neutral Net. But big business can't see it. Corporate communications giants want to regulate the Web themselves and increase their profit margins in the process. A problem with that is the idea that business should not have the authority to regulate itself. Another problem is that the leveling effect of the Internet would be lost if access were a matter of income. There are reports that Google and Verizon have cobbled together a compromise they intend to present to the FCC. In this plan, regular Internet access would remain untouched, but wireless access would not. So content over smart phones would be subject to special costs. And this would adversely affect those who depend on affordable wireless technology to access the information that flows through the Internet. Any plan that would charge a premium for certain cell phone Internet content would affect African Americans and Latinos more than any other group of Internet users. It's a bad idea that should never see the light of day.
NHMC Tells FCC Chairman that the Verizon-Google Net Neutrality Proposal Is Not Sufficient to Protect the Open Internet Today, NHMC joined a large collection of public interest, civil rights and consumer advocacy groups in urging the FCC to continue its efforts to protect an open internet and reassert its authority to regulate broadband internet access under Title II of the Communications Act. The letter directly responds to a joint legislative proposal that Verizon and Google announced earlier this week. That proposal, NHMC and its allies explained in the letter, falls short of protecting the open internet in three main ways: (1) it suggests that the FCC not have authority to oversee broadband internet access; (2) it fails to apply all but one open internet principle to wireless providers; and (3) it creates an exception to the net neutrality principles that is so broad that it may swallow the rule. The letter can be read here.
NHMC Reply Comment before the FCC
(4/26/10) The National Hispanic Media Coalition (“NHMC”) respectfully submits this reply to comments on the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC” or “Commission”) draft rules designed to promote and preserve an open Internet. NHMC remains steadfast in its belief that the proposed rules are necessary to ensure that all people – especially people of color, who have been traditionally under and misrepresented on mainstream media – enjoy opportunities to share their stories fairly and accurately and pursue online business and educational opportunities. NHMC rejects the contention that open Internet rules will somehow affect the availability and affordability of broadband for the poor and communities of color, and has therefore signed onto the comments of the Media Justice Commenters to rebut that claim in detail. Click here to read the full article.
Media Justice Commenters Reply Comments - In the Matter of Preserving the Open Internet, Broadband Industry Practices Media Access Project, on behalf of Media Action Grassroots Network, et al. (collectively “Media Justice Commenters”), submits these Reply Comments in response to the Commission’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in In the Matter of Preserving the Open Internet, Broadband Industry Practices. The record in this proceeding demonstrates the need for open Internet rules to encourage and protect political, economic, and social activities. Importantly, for Media Justice Commenters, open Internet protections are critical for empowering disenfranchised communities and critical in driving the adoption of broadband in these communities. In light of the considerable evidence and data regarding the importance and need for the proposed rules, combined with the Commission’s predictive judgment, it is imperative the Commission swiftly act to adopt open Internet provisions. Considering the recent Comcast v. FCC decision, the Commission must quickly retain its jurisdiction over broadband services so that it can adopt the proposed open Internet rules. Contrary to the claims of some Commenters, the inability to earn extra revenue and recoup costs by charging for enhanced or prioritized service will not broaden the digital divide. Indeed, data in the record indicate that providers have earned considerable revenue over the last decade, allowing providers to invest in infrastructure. Moreover nondiscrimination rules have not hindered telephone company investment in broadband deployment. The reality is that many providers have dragged their feet when it comes to building out in disenfranchised communities. There is no reason to believe that adopting nondiscrimination rules somehow will prevent the deployment of affordable broadband into disenfranchised communities, especially since providers have already failed to invest in those communities. Additionally, the market itself can not cure the harms associated with discriminating among services, content, applications, or devices. While some claim the broadband market is competitive, the reality for the constituents of Media Justice Commenters is that wireline and/or wireless broadband access is sporadic or nonexistent. For too many, the alleged existence of competition has not resulted in lower prices and more choices. Moreover, competition in and of itself cannot discourage the temptation to earn additional revenues through discrimination, when switching costs - such as early termination fees and valuable time - remain an obstacle for consumers to simply switch providers. Some have argued the Commission should do nothing. However, doing nothing would ignore the evidence in the record for the need and benefits of open Internet rules. Media Justice Commenters believe it is time now for the Commission to act to protect and empower all Internet users. Click here to read the full article.
Net Neutrality Is a Must At a time when opportunities for Latinos and other people to advance in their careers, in their businesses and in every other sphere of activity are disappearing, net neutrality is a must. Over the next few months the Federal Communications Commission will be considering whether to adopt network neutrality rules. The National Hispanic Media Coalition supports codification of these rules because they will ensure that communities of color remain able to use the Internet as a platform to distribute content, innovate freely and participate in civic discourse. But what does that really mean? For one, it means that the company from which you purchase your Internet access, generally your telephone, cable or satellite company, will not be allowed to prevent you from sending messages and other lawful content over the Internet. Nor will that company be able to prevent you from accessing online services and applications, like YouTube or Facebook or WebMD. Companies will not be allowed to degrade or slow your access to any lawful web-site. The rules will also require the companies to explain in simple terms the limitations of their services. So what does this mean for the Latino community and other communities of color? Many Latinos do not have regular access to “broadband,” also known as high speed Internet, but those that do are benefitting from the Internet in myriad ways. It is a tool for small business owners to effectively reach customers with only a computer and an Internet connection. It is a forum in which content creators can showcase their work without seeking permission from the customary content gatekeepers, such as movie studios, cable and television networks and music labels. It is a venue for journalists, who are facing greater unemployment due to media consolidation, to enhance democratic discourse and access new revenue streams through blogging and other online reporting. It is opening new doors to educational, occupational, medical and other opportunities. It is allowing laborers and vendors to discover the going-rate for their services and products, empowering them to seek just compensation and be competitive in the marketplace. It is providing English-language training to non-English speakers and enabling immigrants to learn about U.S. culture. In this day and age, access to everything the Internet provides is not just a luxury, but rather a necessity. Those without open Internet access cannot survive and succeed because they are foreclosed from financial aid and job applications, online learning experiences, information about health and transportation, research for homework assignments, and countless other important opportunities. A Pew report examining over 34,000 news stories from mainstream media outlets found that there was “little coverage directly about the lives of Hispanics and their experience in the U.S.” And much of that “little coverage” demonizes or otherwise misrepresents the Latino community. Although this is not entirely surprising given that Latinos have been largely shut out from mainstream media by high barriers to entry, it is harmful and reprehensible that mainstream news is so divorced from the realities of our evolving society. But with broadband access, Latinos and others who have been traditionally under and misrepresented on mainstream media enjoy opportunities to share our stories fairly and accurately. Indeed, the Internet is one of the very few places where we can respond to the vitriolic anti-Latino rhetoric that airs unopposed on some mainstream media outlets. The network neutrality rules ensure that this power remains in the hands of the people, and not in big companies. In today’s world, unrestricted Internet access can play an instrumental role in enabling people to pursue their dreams through online education and vocational training. As families struggle to make ends meet, the power and value of broadband Internet access is not always readily apparent, but preserving an open and neutral Internet will continue to allow for innovations that will spur adoption by those that realize how broadband can be useful in their lives. However, if providers of broadband Internet access service are permitted to block or degrade access to certain online content, services and applications, much of the Internet’s value will be lost for Latinos and others communities who cannot afford to pay extra for special access. Thus, for us all, network neutrality is a must.
NHMC's comments in response to the FCC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking NHMC respectfully urges the Commission to affirm its tentative conclusion to codify the six principles articulated in the NPRM. These principles are necessary to ensure that all people – especially people of color, who have been traditionally under and misrepresented on mainstream media – enjoy opportunities to share their stories fairly and accurately. The Internet is one of the very few places where Latinos can respond to the vitriolic anti-Latino rhetoric that airs unopposed on some mainstream media outlets. Unlike traditional media, the Internet is a forum where individuals can disseminate content and participate in civic discourse with relatively low barriers to entry. In addition, open and neutral broadband access is necessary to survive in today’s society. If ISPs are permitted to block or degrade access to certain content, applications and services, the immense opportunities that broadband access provides will be lost. Moreover, because many Latinos and other people of color rely exclusively on wireless devices for broadband access, NHMC urges the Commission to apply the six principles across all broadband platforms at the earliest possible occasion. Implementing these rules could only help those on the wrong side of the digital divide. Some have expressed fear that codification of open Internet principles could unintentionally stifle broadband deployment and adoption in unserved and underserved communities. As an organization focused primarily on expanding media access for Latinos and other people of color, NHMC wholeheartedly agrees that any rule that suppresses universal broadband is undesireable. At the same time, NHMC supports the proposed rules as there is concrete evidence only of their benefits, and none of their supposed burdens. Indeed, data suggests that open Internet principles are likely to spur investment in broadband deployment and can advance adoption. Click here to read the full article.
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