CWA Opposes Efforts to End Open Internet; House Actions Jeopardize 21st Century Infrastructure

Contact: Candice Johnson, CWA Communications, 202-434-1168 and cjohnson@cwa-union.org

Washington DC-The Communications Workers of America, in partnership with more than 80 organizations representing labor, the environmental movement, the civil and human rights community, faith based organizations and consumer advocates, is expressing strong opposition to attempts by some House members to invoke a little-used law that would strip the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of its authority to protect the open Internet.

In a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, CWA expressed concern that the effort would jeopardize not only the open Internet but the economic development our nation needs.

“This attack on the open Internet does nothing to achieve the world class broadband networks that our nation needs.  We need to settle this issue using the FCC framework and encourage investment and network building,” said CWA President Larry Cohen. 

The FCC's open Internet rules are safeguards to prevent broadband providers from blocking access to online content, discriminating among their customers, and restricting online speech. These rules were developed after an extensive process that included input from all sides of the debate. Repealing these rules would leave consumers without the protections they need for an open Internet.

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CWA represents 700,000 workers in communications, media, airlines, manufacturing, public service and health care.