CUB’s Consumer Advocate at Open Internet Press Conference at Portland City Hall

Samuel Pastrick, CUB’s Consumer Advocate and Membership Manager, spoke at Portland City Hall this morning in support of retaining current Open Internet or “net neutrality” rules. In 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established these rules under an Open Internet Order.

Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman organized the press event, which also featured Senator Ron Wyden. Wyden is a longtime advocate for net neutrality and the open Internet. Commissioner Saltzman plans to bring a resolution to the City Council on July 12 denouncing rollbacks of the 2015 Open Internet Order proposed by current FCC Chair, and Trump appointee, Ajit Pai. (See our May blog for further detail.)

“Common sense regulations like those laid out in the 2016 Open Internet Order to ensure net neutrality are designed to protect consumers and the common good,” said Sam. “CUB applauds Commissioner Saltzman and Senator Wyden for their commitment to preserving an open Internet.”

The six key elements of the Open Internet Order are:

1. Internet Conduct Standard ensures just and reasonable rates and practices.
2. Consumer Complaints to the FCC ensure accountability.
3. Blocking lawful Internet content is prohibited.
4. Throttling (hindering competition by slowing applications or services based on sender or content) is prohibited.
5. Paid Prioritization (preferential treatment of paid content) is prohibited.
6. Service Transparency to customers about pricing and speeds.

CUB opposes rollbacks of these consumer protections proposed by Chair Pai. Comments on the proposed rules are due July 17. You can sign on to CUB’s comments at https://oregoncub.org/get-involved/action-alerts/.

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