CUB Endorses Portland’s Net Neutrality Resolution and Joins National Day of Action

Tomorrow, July 12, is a National Day of Action to bring wider attention to the threat of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rolling back the important consumer protections issued by the Obama-era FCC and laid out in the 2015 Open Internet Order.

The Open Internet or “net neutrality” is under immediate threat because the Trump administration’s FCC, led by a newly appointed Chair, Ajit Pai, takes a very different view than the same body during the Obama years.

Pai called for a review of the 2015 rules back in May and public comments are due Monday, July 17. CUB is submitting comments and has asked supporters to “sign on” in support.

July 12 also represents an important day for Portland, as the City Council will consider a resolution brought forth by Commissioner Dan Saltzman that would publicly enshrine the City’s long-standing commitment to protect a fair, safe, and affordable internet for everyone. This is the underlying premise of net neutrality.

CUB joined Commissioner Saltzman and Oregon Senator Ron Wyden on June 30 to announce the City’s Net Neutrality Resolution, and will testify in support of the measure on Wednesday.

CUB has endorsed net neutrality for years. But it wasn’t until 2015 when the FCC approved the Open Internet Order that the federal government actually codified rules based on sound legal footing. And despite numerous attempts to appeal the decision from cable and telephone industry groups, the courts have stood firm in its defense.

However, this may change because the FCC looks to have the votes to repeal the 2015 Order. But an apparent vote-count does not always guarantee repeal. (We’re seeing this very idea play out right now in Washington around health care.)

This is why local efforts are so important. They send a strong signal that a repeal of basic, common sense protections for consumers needing access to the Internet is completely unacceptable.

Here are two examples of what’s at stake:

Probably the most common anecdote in defense of net neutrality (or in support of greater digital equity) is the low-income student needing home Internet access to complete their homework. This is such a good example because that student is entitled to the same speed and access to content as the wealthier family across town or the corporate CEO perched in a downtown high-rise.

A different example highlights why folks nowadays – especially those who are most vulnerable – truly need safe, reliable, and affordable Internet access.

Let’s say I’m homebound – for any reason and for any period of time. In this scenario, the Internet is my primary connection to the outside world. It’s my vehicle to connect with friends and family. It’s my entertainment outlet. It’s more than likely my way to receive essential medical services – whether that’s scheduling appointments, reviewing test results, or even receiving the actual care. The Internet may also be my best means to order groceries or get extra help around the house. If I’m employed, it’s my way to keep that job by working remotely. If I’m unemployed, it’s my only option to research and apply for jobs.

The Internet, in the scenario just described, is the foundation of my health and my safety, general wellbeing, and ability to participate in society in a meaningful way.

So if we agree on this critical point – that fair and affordable access to the Internet can make or break someone’s livelihood – then we should also agree that the reasonable protections to preserve net neutrality – those that were enshrined in the 2015 Open Internet Order – must be defended.

In light of this, CUB strongly endorses the City of Portland’s Net Neutrality Resolution that would officially support the preservation of the 2015 federal Open Internet Order, and looks forward to joining the National Day Action in support of net neutrality on July 12.

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