Open And Accessible Internet For All

 Net Neutrality   *   Spectrum Reform   *    Digital Literacy, Training, and Adoption    *    Universal Service Fund Reform  *   Internet Piracy and Censorship

Why This Matters 

In just a few short years the Internet has become so vital to society that it’s hard to imagine life without it.  Businesses rely on the Internet to reach customers, medical facilities need it share life saving information about patients; schools require access to enroll or submit homework; advocacy and civic groups use it to organize constituents, and family and friends around the globe can stay in touch with the click of a button.   Far from being a luxury, Internet access is necessary for participation in modern society. 

Our Values

MADCo members believe that everyone must have access to an, affordable, and high quality Internet, as well as the training and tools to use it.  We also believe legal content on the Internet – such as applications or web sites -- must free from discrimination, control or interference by government or Internet Service Providers.  We also support the development of networks that are owned by the public or local community groups. 

Protecting an Open Internet with Network Neutrality

Since its inception, the Internet has been a user controlled and driven experience. When you go online, you can visit any lawful site you choose, and you can create any web site or application and put it online.   That’s what made the Internet such a revolutionary tool.  But some Internet Service Providers would like to change that structure by speeding up or degrading access to certain content based on monetary incentives, or even blocking certain applications on mobile devices. Network Neutrality, the principle that all traffic and information on the network be treated equally, would maintain the open nature of the Internet and prohibit the “pay to play” barriers ISPs are pushing. To learn more about protecting an open Internet, read more about net neutrality.
 

Digital Literacy, Training, and Adoption

To remain competitive in today’s economy, to succeed in the education system, to access social services, and to tell their own stories, people need access to the Internet as well as the training and tools to know how to use it. Digital Literacy programs teach people how to use technology and its tools to participate in a 21^st century society. Learn more about what MADCo members are doing to advance Digital Literacy by visiting the Media Mobilizing Project and the Media Literacy Project. 
 

Spectrum Reform

Our world runs on wireless.  From opening your garage door, to streaming a movie on your laptop, to making phone calls on your cell phone, to listening to the radio, the public’s airwaves are the engine for our daily lives. Some want to see these airwaves auctioned off to the highest bidder, or only accessible with exclusive licenses.  Members of the Media and Democracy Coalition believe that unlicensed spectrum is the key to innovation and competition in the mobile future. Learn more here.
 

Universal Service Fund Reform

Access to basic communications tools, such as broadband and the telephone, are vital for participation in the economy and civil society.  Yet far too many people can’t afford the expensive monthly bills for Internet or telephone access.  And portion of the U.S. – particularly rural and Tribal areas – have no high speed broadband at all.  Members of the Media and Democracy Coalition are advocating for reform of the Universal Service Fund, a program that could ensure that every U.S. resident has access to high quality voice and data tools.  Learn more here.
 

Internet Piracy and Censorship

The Internet is a tool that allows millions to create and share artistic works, like songs and videos.  Members of the Media and Democracy Coalition believe the intellectual property of artists should be protected against copyright “pirates,” but two bills pending in Congress go too far, and would end up censoring legitimate content.  Read more about the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the PROTECT IP Act.