Charles E. Schumer’s Policy on Internet Neutrality

Dear Mr. Soman:

Thank you for contacting me regarding broadband network neutrality. I agree that free and open communications are an important aspect of our country’s democracy, which is why I am a supporter of net neutrality.

The Internet is a valuable tool and as technology advances, so to does our ability to use the Internet to learn, communicate, and participate in one of the most fundamental values of our democracy: freedom of speech. I support the free flow of information on the Internet and enforceable network neutrality.

Our world is becoming an increasingly global community, and I believe that free and open access to the internet should be affordable and readily available to all people. Unfortunately there are many people in our own country who cannot benefit from using the internet because of limitations in access. For this reason I was a co-sponsor of S. 1492, the Broadband Data Improvement Act, which the President signed into law on October 10, 2008.

The law will help the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to collect better information about broadband services in the United States, which will ultimately help broadband to expand to underserved populations, like those in urban and rural areas. FCC will be required to study international broadband models, map out currently underserved areas, encourage states to expand broadband accessibility, and conduct and publish consumer surveys that compare broadband service providers so that consumers can be more knowledgeable about their options.

I believe that the Federal Government can help ensure that all American households have reliable internet access at a reasonable cost, and I will continue to fight for the protection of net neutrality.

Again, thank you for contacting me on this important issue. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can ever be of assistance to you on this, or any other matter.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator