Whoa, this is the big one

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Published on Monday, 08 September 2014 11:00

Written by editor

Key decision-makers are about to make a landmark ruling that could allow telecom giants to force your online activities into an Internet slow lane. We urgently need you to send decision-makers a message before the crucial September 15th deadline for public input. Can we count you in, Paov?

Urgent action needed: Big Telecom giants are about to force many of your favourite websites into an Internet slow lane,1 making them buffer sporadically, and return errors.

This is the big one.

Dear Paov,

U.S. telecom giants are trying to impose an Internet slow lane that will affect Internet users everywhere.2 Canadians will be especially hard hit as so much of our Internet traffic flows in and out of the U.S.3 Despite this, Canadians have not even been consulted about this reckless slow lane plan.

If these giant U.S. conglomerates get their way, many of your favourite websites could slow to a crawl, and accessing services like Netflix could get more expensive.

The clock is ticking: Key decision-makers are about to make a landmark ruling on this Internet slowdown,4 so we have to raise a loud global call5 by the crucial September 15th deadline for public input.

To fight back, we need you to add your voice to a global movement of Internet users sending decision-makers a powerful message in the final days of public input. Can we count you in, Paov?

This ruling will determine whether you can access whatever you want, whenever you want at full speed – whether that’s Netflix, your favourite online comedy site, or your online banking.

But now, Big Telecom wants to take away that choice, and turn the Internet into Cable TV 2.0, where whole websites will be slowed to a snail’s pace.

The clock is counting down: it’s up to you to stand up and be counted in the fight against Big Telecom’s Internet slow down.

The effects of this landmark ruling will be felt worldwide.6 You may not live in the U.S., but many of your favourite websites do.

We’re counting on you. Your OpenMedia team puts together sophisticated tools and platforms to amplify your voice when it matters most – and this is certainly no exception.

Join with Internet users around the world in the largest digital rights campaign the world has ever seen. We don't have much time: speak out now before the crucial deadline.

Thanks for continuing to step up when we need you the most,

Steve, Josh, and Meghan, on behalf of your OpenMedia team

P.S., The fight for net neutrality is the fight for Internet freedom. We’re up against some big industry players around the world – but with your support, we can ensure the Internet remains an open platform that fuels the type of society we aspire to. Please consider donating today to keep us going.

Footnotes

[1], [4] Net Neutrality, Monopoly, and the Death of the Democratic Internet. Source: Motherboard
[2] U.S. extends deadline for 'net neutrality' comments to Sept 15. Source: Reuters.
[3] Decision-makers in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and the European Union are considering implementing rules that could either safeguard the open Internet, or hand power to giant telecom conglomerates. Also: “A significant chunk of global Internet traffic flows to and from the United States, and limiting the flow of traffic will have knock-on effects”. Source: r32 If you no longer wish to receive our emails, click here to unsubscribe.