A collective of 150 technology companies, including Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Twitter, and Yahoo sent a letter (PDF) to the Federal Communications Commission pleading with the agency to reconsider its current net neutrality proposal.
As proposed, the agency would permit what amounts to fast lanes for companies that pay broadband companies extra fees. In their letter to the FCC, the signees call this idea a “grave threat” to the internet. “Instead of permitting individualized bargaining and discrimination, the Commission rules should protect users and internet companies on both fixed and mobile platforms against blocking, discrimination, and paid prioritization. Such rules are essential for the future of the Internet. This Commission should take the necessary steps to ensure that the internet remains an open platform for speech and commerce.”
Earlier, FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel voiced her own concerns about the proposal, and asked the FCC to delay its vote on the rules. The FCC is scheduled to vote at its next meeting on May 15.
