On a 2-1 party line vote, the FCC began the process of dismantling net neutrality. A new comment period has opened and every member of the indie music community must speak out now to try to save rules that guarantee that all content on the web is delivered and streamed equally.
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net neutrality
the principle that Internet service providers should enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source, and without favoring or blocking particular products or websites.
For music fans, net neutrality means that internet providers can’t divide the web into fast lanes and slow lanes. Streams from smaller startups like Bandcamp and Radio Paradise have to be delivered with the same speed and quality as giants like Google’s YouTube, Pandora or Spotify.
But as the FCC moves forward with plans to dismantle net neutrality rules, the right to equal access to all music, video and other media and information on the net is under serious threat.
The time to comment is now and here’s how.
1. Go to the comments page on the FCC site.
2. Click on “Express” on the left of the page (below).
3. “17-108” has been filled into the top box on the page, where it says “proceedings” – leave it there, because it associates your comment with the net neutrality proposal.
4. Fill out the form and comment.
5. Your comments will be publicly posted on the FCC’s website once it’s submitted.
MORE: All Music Is Created Equal: Why The Indie Music Community MUST Fight For Net Neutrality Now