The Federal Communications Commission is seeking public input on Comcast's Internet blocking through February 28th. So make your organization's voice heard!

Free Press, Public Knowledge, and other members of Save the Internet Coalition are encouraging nonprofit organizations to file comments urging the FCC to declare that neither Comcast nor other Internet providers can block Internet websites, speech, or software. The public, not phone and cable giants, should determine what’s available online.

Nonprofit Organizations Urged to Tell the FCC: “Preserve Internet Freedom”

• FCC Seeks Comments: Prompted by complaints about recent actions by Comcast, the FCC (the government agency regulating the Internet) has asked the public to comment on whether the Internet should remain open or be controlled by phone and cable monopolies.

• Who is affected? This issue cuts to the heart of our democracy and economy. Eliminating Internet freedom could affect whether nonprofit organizations can reach their existing and potential members through the Internet.

What is Internet Freedom?

• Internet Freedom principles ensures that consumers can access any Web content or use any application on the Internet without limitations imposed by cable and phone companies. It stands for an open and neutral network that has been part of the Internet since its inception. However, such openness on the Internet is now threatened.

Comcast’s Attack on a Free Internet

• Blocking the Internet: On October 19, 2007, the Associated Press’s tests confirmed that Comcast secretly blocks certain software, in violation of open Internet principles.

• Protocol blocking: Comcast was targeting applications using the BitTorrent protocol, among other applications. BitTorrent is a way to transfer large files having many lawful uses—from NASA’s visible earth project to downloading software like Linux to being used by the major Hollywood studios to legally distribute movies, TV shows, and music.

• Public Petition: Free Press, Public Knowledge, other consumer groups, and scholars at Harvard, Yale, and Stanford law schools filed actions with the FCC asking the agency to declare that Comcast’s actions clearly violate the open Internet principles adopted by the FCC itself in 2006, as well as consumers’ rights.

Take Action

• Tell the FCC why your organization’s work would be hurt if Internet service providers can block software, protocol and websites. The FCC seeks comments by Feb. 13. Additional comments by Feb. 28. Docket Number: 07-52. File at FCC site: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi

• One-Click Comments: You can also file a personal complaint here.