U.S. Senate Candidate Rodney Glassman Expresses Clear Support for Net Neutrality

PHOENIX, Ariz. -Today Rodney Glassman, Arizona candidate for U.S. Senate, expressed his support for updated, modern rules for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) which would ensure that the Internet operates under the principals of net neutrality.

“It is disappointing that Washington and John McCain have failed us by refusing to act to preserve the openness and neutrality of the Internet,” said Glassman. “The Communications Act was written and passed in 1934 for communications technologies that have been obsolete for decades. Arizona needs a U.S. Senator who understands the critical need to preserve net neutrality and who won’t wait for decades to protect our rights to information on the Internet.”

“Every American today benefits from an open and neutral Internet, directly or indirectly. We have a stronger democracy and a more engaged electorate, in part because of the lower cost of information,” said Glassman. “The Internet has become an essential part of our democracy. It is critical that we act now to protect these important freedoms.”

There is a growing consensus among technology leaders and the public that the federal government needs new regulations geared toward modern-day broadband technologies. However, businesses which provide broadband have argued that new regulations prohibiting them from blocking content would drive up costs for consumers and prevent further technological development. Glassman believes that competition combined with regulations that protect the rights of consumers will ensure affordable, quality service in a free and open Internet environment where service providers do not dictate content.

The Internet should continue to operate under the following principles:

• Consumers should have the freedom to choose which content, including applications, they use, send or receive – without interference from Internet providers.
• Consumers should have the freedom to connect using their preferred device.
• Broadband providers should provide transparent network access while maintaining the security and integrity of the network.

###