Rep. Massa, Free Press, StoptheCap.com to Discuss Internet Fairness Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 16, 2009
Contact: Moira Vahey, Free Press, (202) 265-1490 x31
WASHINGTON -- On Wednesday, Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.) will join Free Press and StoptheCap.com on a national conference call to discuss the "Broadband Internet Fairness Act," legislation that would protect consumers from Internet overcharges.
DATE: Wednesday, June 17
TIME: 11:30 a.m ET/8:30 a.m.PT
SPEAKERS:
Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.)
Ben Scott, policy director, Free Press
Phillip Dampier, founder, StoptheCap.com
*** To join the conference call, dial (888) 792-8352, Access Code 15549429 ***
AT&T and Time Warner Cable are currently testing a new billing model in Beaumont, Texas, where consumers pay large fees for exceeding a low monthly Internet usage limit. AT&T's trial also includes Reno, Nev. Though presented as a means to address a very small number of heavy bandwidth users, these Internet overcharges would impact large numbers of consumers.
Congressman Massa became a vocal opponent of Internet overcharges after Time Warner Cable announced plans this spring to impose its new pricing scheme on his constituents in Rochester, N.Y. Tens of thousands of Internet users from around the country -- many of them alerted by Free Press and StoptheCap.com -- contacted Congress about the unfair penalties, and Massa pledged to introduce legislation to address the issue.
The "Broadband Internet Fairness Act" would give the government explicit authority to prevent broadband providers from overcharging for Internet access.
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Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Free Press does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media and universal access to communications.
