Blumenthal Applauds President’s Push For Rules To Protect Net Neutrality

(Hartford, CT) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal today released the following statement after President Obama called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement “the strongest possible rules to protect net neutrality.” In July, Sen. Blumenthal led the call to make such a move, sending a letter to the FCC insisting that the Internet be protected by reclassifying broadband internet access as a service.

“President Obama’s full-throated support for a free and open internet is an historic moment for consumers, companies and the more than four million Americans who have contacted the FCC urging real net neutrality protections. The Internet has become an invaluable platform empowering consumer choice and rewarding disruptive innovators and entrepreneurs – its opportunity must not be limited to those companies that can afford high-priced lobbyists in Washington. Pay-to-play arrangements cannot be permitted to fundamentally disrupt the dynamic that has made the Internet so successful – an even playing field open to all competitors, speakers, artists, and innovators. Consumers, not a company and not the government, must continue to determine the winners and losers on the Internet.”