Dear friends,

In hours, the FCC will vote on whether to move forward with a proposal that could kill the Internet as we know it. It could go either way -- but if we act fast we can win the votes we need to tip the balance. Send an urgent message now to keep the Internet free and open:

In hours, the US communications regulator will decide whether to move forward with a proposal that could kill the Internet as we know it. It could go either way -- but if we act fast we can win the votes we need to tip the balance.

The proposal in front of the FCC would allow Comcast, AT&T and other big telecom companies to decide who can benefit from fast Internet speed -- whileslowing down, or even blocking, everyone else -- and making millions in profit from it! 

The good news is there’s a major backlash -- working with advocates, we pressured the FCC with a million strong campaign, and now major tech companies, investors and members of Congress are slamming this dangerous proposal! Let’s urgently flood FCC members with messages demanding our Internet stay free and open ahead of today’s key meeting: 

http://www.avaaz.org/en/us_net_neutrality_now_1/?bNQkkhb&v=39750

The Internet has always been a level playing field for anyone to put out content, creativity, innovation and information. It’s what’s made independent media outlets like Democracy Now! reach a massive audience that would otherwise be relegated to choosing from corporate media channels like Fox News. It's the lifeline that allows small innovators to create a service that reaches almost everyone on the globe. But the FCC’s proposal could kill this Internet democracy.

If the FCC passes these rules, huge companies could pay to make their websites faster and easier to use than all of their smaller competitors. The largest and richest broadband providers like Comcast and Verizon argue that they need more money to invest in new networks. But in reality, they are simply increasing profits by building up monopolies that just benefit their shareholders.

When Avaaz and partner organisations brought our million signatures outside his office, FCC Chief commissioner Tom Wheeler was quick to support an open Internet. But now, instead of following through with his promise, he’s caving in to industry pressure. Let's remind Wheeler and his fellow commissioners that we are watching and we aren’t going away - send your message now:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/us_net_neutrality_now_1/?bNQkkhb&v=39750

Avaaz members are winning the fight for Net Neutrality across the globe! We played a crucial role in Brazil, which passed its landmark bill for open Internet access a couple of weeks ago, and the EU, whose parliament just agreed to strong Net Neutrality rules. Now it’s time to ensure the US follows the global move to protect the Internet by committing to new rules that prevent Internet providers from slicing up our Internet into slow and fast lane access.

With hope and determination,  

Dalia, Pascal, Laura, Luca, Luis, Emily, Ricken, Carol and the whole Avaaz team

MORE INFORMATION 

Net Neutrality: What is it, and why is the US about to lose it? (Al Jazeera)
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/5/13/net-neutrality-uspoisedtoloseit.html

FCC Net-Neutrality Plan in Chaos (Time)
http://time.com/96688/net-neutrality-plan-in-chaos/

Baffled by 'Net Neutrality'? Read This (WSJ)
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304536104579558283544902324

The FCC is about to axe-murder net neutrality. Don't get mad – get even (the Guardian)
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/24/fcc-net-neutrality-tom-wheeler-stop-rules


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Avaaz.org is a 35-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 18 countries on 6 continents and operates in 17 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz's biggest campaigns here, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.