How to Lobby Congress to Keep the Network Neutral
Late last year, the Republican-controlled FCC voted to dismantle net neutrality in a 3-2 party vote. This decision led to a massive, organized effort to uphold the Obama-era laws designed to protect the open Internet. Five months later, net neutrality advocates may still have a better chance.
Here’s an updated overview of what you can do to help maintain network neutrality, as well as some old tips that are still valid.
Support the new solution to keep the grid neutral
The Senate is expected to vote on a new resolution in May this year that could repair the damage done to the FCC and restore net neutrality protection. If you are ready to support the cause again, there are several different ways to join the fight.
Battle For the Net is teaming up with a coalition of internet companies including Wikimedia, Etsy, Reddit, Tumblr, Tinder, GitHub, Mozilla, and Vimeo to raise the alarm with the Red Alert program, which launched on May 9. can contribute by adding a custom javascript widget to your site to encourage people to contact their senators. The site also features banner ads and many other images that you can share online, as well as a list of protests and events taking place across the country.
Of course, the most important thing you can do is call your reps and give your opinion. You can find contact information for your senators, including their phone and fax numbers (yes, congress fax does work), right here .
Submit your application to the FCC
The FCC vote on network neutrality can already be said and done, but it is possible that in the future this issue could return to a government agency. Submitting your comments to the FCC is a good way to show support for the new resolution and open Internet laws in general.
To do this, simply visit this website on your computer (it may not work on your phone). Under “Matera (s),” write “17-108” and then fill out the rest of the form with your personal information. In the comment box below, it is said that you maintain net neutrality and Title 2 oversight of ISPs.
Write to FCC management directly
You can email all five FCC executives to express your support for network neutrality. Here are the email addresses you need to know – Republicans voted to dismantle net neutrality.
• Ajit Pai, Chair (Republican) – Ajit.Pai@fcc.gov
• Mignon Cliburn, Commissioner (Democrat) – Mignon.Clyburn@fcc.gov
• Michael O’Rielly, Commissioner (Republican) – Mike.O’Rielly@fcc.gov
• Brendan Carr, Commissioner (Republican) – Brendan.Carr@fcc.gov
• Jessica Rosenworcel, Commissioner (Democrat) – Jessica.Rosenworcel@fcc.gov
Contact your congressional representatives
Perhaps pressure on Congress will also help keep the net neutral. Battle for the Net has a tool at the top of its website to help you send a pre-written email to your reps, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation has such a tool as well. In addition, California Senator Kamala Harris has posted a petition on her website in which you can express your support for net neutrality.
If you would prefer to call your representative directly, you can find the senator’s number here and here the member’s number for your House of Representatives .
Help spread the word
Finally, you can fight for network neutrality by educating more people about what is at stake. If you have a website, Battle for the Net has a handy widget that you can use . Otherwise, the site also has banners and images that you can share on social media and other platforms.
This post was updated with new information on May 9, 2018 at 12:57 pm.