Media Literacy Project Statement on Net Neutrality Rules

Contact:
Leticia Miranda
leticia (at) medialiteracyproject (dot) org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 21, 2010

Winter Solstice Marks Dark Day for Net Neutrality
New Mexico will fall farther behind under the FCC’s new net neutrality rules

Albuquerque, New Mexico – Today, the Federal Communications Commission voted on net neutrality rules to regulate broadband Internet that will leave many New Mexican Internet users farther behind in economic and educational opportunities.

Although the FCC adopted some non-discrimination rules for wired Internet, the new order will create barriers for New Mexicans who access the Internet through wireless devices. A disproportionate number of these users are Latino, Black, rural and low-income.

“The FCC decision is devastating to rural and low-income communities who are more likely to access the Internet on a cell phone than anywhere else,” said Andrea Quijada, executive director of the Media Literacy Project. “We expect the FCC to protect all Internet users equally and their vote today did not do that. Instead, they chose to vote for discrimination. This will leave many mobile wireless users vulnerable to corporations who can block unsavory content or channel them towards the company’s own sites.”

The new order also does not clearly ban companies from instituting “pay-for-priority” rules, which would require users to pay more for faster Internet or online services. These protections might pose additional barriers for poor and low-income people in New Mexico. Currently, only 43 percent of New Mexicans have broadband access at home and, 32 percent of New Mexicans have no access to the Internet at all.

"Today's FCC decision will have a deep impact on our local city," said Rey Garduño, Albuquerque's City Councilman for District 6. "A truly level Internet playing field would offer our city equal educational and economic opportunities to innovate and succeed in our future economy. Many of my district's families already can't afford the Internet or have to work long hours to provide their children with the access to this basic educational tool. The FCC's net neutrality decision does not go far enough to guarantee that families in Albuquerque’s International District have the same opportunities online as families in more affluent city districts."

"Sadly, it seems large corporate interests have trumped the needs of poorer states like New Mexico," said Antonio Maestas, New Mexico House Representative. "Under the FCC's net neutrality order, state Internet users will find more barriers to innovation and competition in the growing online economy. With a poverty level at 19 percent, New Mexico could benefit from stronger corporate regulations that would make sure a businessman in Mora could compete with a businessman in Manhattan. Today’s net neutrality order fails to guarantee that people across the country have equal access to online opportunities."

Although the FCC has announced its order today, local Internet freedom advocates are ready to demand that DC hears the voices of New Mexicans.

“While we are disappointed with the FCC vote today, the Media Literacy Project is prepared to continue to advocate for New Mexicans’ communication needs,” said Quijada. “In the next year before the 2012 elections, New Mexico will have the opportunity to garner steam around this issue and demand that Internet policies ensure that rural and low-income communities have affordable and accessible wireless and fixed Internet connections.”

Media Literacy Project is a regional organization with national impact that advances media education and advocacy for media justice.