net neutrality

Save the Date: Public Hearing: Vermont Legislative PEG Study Committee hosts a Public Hearing on Monday, October 21, 2019 (10 a.m. - 12 p.m.) in Room 10 of the Statehouse in Montpelier - PEG Study Committee is looking into new ways of supporting Vermont’s 25 community media centers as cable revenue declines. Important news from DC District Court of Appeals Order 10/1/19 Court sustains FCC reclassification of Internet from Title 2 (Telecom Service) to Title 1 (Information service) Tells FCC they cannot pre-empt state authority to regulate internet Remands Order back to FCC to reconsider impact on public safetly, pole-attachment regulation, and the Lifeline Program The case will be appealed, so Vermont implementation of Net Neutrality laws will be delayed Find the decision at Mozilla v. FCC DECISION 18-1051-1808766.pdf Contact Lauren-Glenn Davitian at davitian' @'cctv.org. VAN for more information http://vermontaccess.net/

Julia Vallera presents a friendly and engaging conversation about digital inclusion and digital accessibility in Vermont.

People of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities are invited to the first of many conversations that will bring people together, foster conversation, and draw attention to the digital divide that impacts many diverse communities in and around Burlington, Vermont.

Senator Patrick Leahy, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, holds a field hearing in Vermont on “Preserving an Open Internet: Rules to Promote Competition and Protect Main Street Consumers.” A panel of four witnesses testify at the hearing, including Michael Copps, a former Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission; Martha Reid, Vermont State Librarian; Cabot Orton, proprietor of the Vermont Country Store; and Lisa Groeneveld, co-owner and Chief Operating Officer of the South Burlington-based Logic Supply Inc.

The Judiciary Committee field hearing focuses on the need to restore open Internet rules to replace FCC rules that were struck down earlier this year by the D.C. Circuit Court, including the rule prohibiting broadband providers from blocking lawful content and the rule barring them from unreasonably discriminating against lawful Internet traffic. The FCC currently is accepting public comments on a new set of proposed open Internet rules.

Leahy recently introduced legislation to require the FCC to ban so-called “paid prioritization” agreements between broadband providers and content providers, to help prevent creation of a two-tiered Internet system. The legislation, the Online Competition and Consumer Choice Act, would ensure that start-ups, entrepreneurs and small businesses, like the Vermont Country Store and Logic Supply, have ready access to the marketplace.

The Senator is joined by Vermont's sole Representative to Congress, Peter Welch (D).