Verizon, Don't Make Customers Pay More to Play Internet Games and Movies

Verizon thinks customers who use the internet more should pay more. That could mean you, if you are a file sharer, gamer or movie streamer. But compared to other countries, Verizon and other ISPs are being paid too much already - and for slower service.

Verizon CEO McAdam said at a meeting last week that it’s only fair that those who use the net a lot pay to help keep it “healthy.” But others say giant Internet Service Providers have profited from mergers and can afford to expand networks, as they should be doing to meet higher demands.

The idea of ISPs charging web owners like Netflix more for faster delivery and better quality was boosted after Verizon won its lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission last week. In 2011 it had ruled to prevent ISPs like Verizon from “intentionally blocking or favoring some Web sites over others," said one FCC official.

Comcast has already made a deal with Netflix, and Verizon is looking for one too.  And it’s hard to believe web owners won’t pass on these costs to consumers.

What’s worse is that speeding up service for some websites could mean slower delivery for others. But already many people living on low incomes, including the elderly, do not have home access to high speed internet. And ThinkProgress says Americans have slower service than other countries, and they are paying more for it!

Please sign the petition to make sure Verizon and other ISPs don‘t make customers pay more to play internet games and movies.

We, the undersigned, question the motives of Verizon’s challenge of the FCC ruling on net neutrality.
We believe the ISPs should be paying to create faster and better quality Web page delivery, and that internet customers may be paying too much already.

The Washington Post reported in January, 2011 that ”Just weeks after the Federal Communications Commission adopted its first-ever rules aimed at regulating Internet access, Verizon Communications … filed a federal lawsuit to overturn the controversial order.”

The report notes that the FCC ruling “was supported by consumer groups and Web giants such as Google and Facebook.”

Verizon claimed FCC overstepped its authority, but FCC says the rules, which focus mostly on Internet lines into U.S. homes that connect to private Wi-Fi and desktop computers, prevent ISPs like Verizon “from intentionally blocking or favoring some Web sites over others.” The rules Verizon challenged also prevent ISPs from blocking voice applications like Vonage and Skype.

With its lawsuit, Verizon claims it wants to put a check on the FCC. But who will put a check on Verizon? A report by ThinkProgress says it’s not as if ISPs can’t afford to expand their networks to meet demand - they are making a healthy profit. TP says the issue is lack of market competition as a result of ISPs buying out local cable companies.

Already many people living on low incomes, including the elderly, do not have home access to high speed internet. ISPs should be making equal access to the internet a reality for all, instead of increasing the chances that even more people will be either be disadvantaged or have to pay more for basic quality and fast delivery of website content.

We request that Verizon not make deals with web owners that will adversely influence speed and delivery of others. Make sure customers don’t have to pay more to play internet games and movies.



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