In Congress

Bill to Force the FCC to Extend Comment Period on Comcast-NBC Merger

Moira Vahey — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:28:00 -0400

This legislation would ensure that consumers have a chance to weigh in on this unprecedented merger.

The Broadband Service Consumer Protection Act

Moira Vahey — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:10:00 -0400

The Broadband Service Consumer Protection Act was introduced by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) to require broadband providers to give clear information on the actual service speeds consumers receive. This bill responds to the practice of Internet providers regularly advertising service speeds that are often much higher than the actual speed the average consumer receives.

The E-Rate 2.0 Act

Moira Vahey — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:10:00 -0500

The E-Rate 2.0 Act, introduced by Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) would expand the current e-rate program to bring e-book readers and residential broadband services to students.

Community Access Preservation Act

Moira Vahey — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:42:53 -0500

Legislation introduced by Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) to preserve and protect Public, Educational and Government (PEG) access channels. Free Press strongly supports this bill.

Cellphone Early Termination Fee, Transparency and Fairness Act

Moira Vahey — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:38:00 -0500

The legislation follows Verizon Wireless’ decision to increase its Early Termination Fees from $175 to $350 for certain subscribers who end their contracts early. The bill would set limits on Early Termination Fees (ETFs) and require wireless providers to pro-rate ETFs and clearly notify customers about the fee not only at the time of purchase but for the duration of their contracts.

Federal Communications Commission Collaboration Act

Moira Vahey — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:53:00 -0500

The Federal Communications Commission Collaboration Act would facilitate meaningful deliberation and exchange of ideas among FCC commissioners, while providing a transparent process and important information regarding FCC policy decisions. The bill would also encourage bipartisan and efficient decision making at the FCC. Free Press strongly supports this bill.

The Broadband Affordability Act of 2009

Moira Vahey — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:21:00 -0400

Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) has introduced a bill that would expand the Universal Service Fund to include broadband by discounting the Internet access bills to the poor and underserved.

The Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2009

Moira Vahey — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:46:43 -0400

The Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2009 was introduced by Reps. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) This landmark legislation would protect Network Neutrality under the Communications Act, safeguarding the future of the open Internet and protecting Internet users from discrimination online.

Radio Spectrum Inventory Act

Moira Vahey — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:27:45 -0400

The Radio Spectrum Inventory Act was introduced by Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Communications Subcommittee Chair Henry Boucher (D-Va.).

Broadband Internet Fairness Act

Holiday Shapiro — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:29:39 -0400

The Broadband Internet Fairness Act, introduced by Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.), would give the government explicit authority to prevent broadband providers from overcharging for Internet access. Free Press strongly supports this bill.