Back in November, my coworker Scott was fired up in a video message on net neutrality.

I would know; I was sitting right next to him as he called on everyone — especially businesses in rural America — to get involved in the fight to preserve a free and open Internet.

To everyone who took action, thank you.

Unfortunately, Scott was right: the FCC hates rural America.

Last Week

On Thursday, December 14th, the Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal the regulations that preserve a free and open Internet.

Instead of guaranteeing that you can choose what websites and apps you want to spend time in, this 3-2 vote will make it so that service providers can charge additional fees for different packages, or prioritize load-time of some sites instead of others.

“The dismantling of the Obama-era rules isn’t expected to change the delivery of web content to consumers overnight. But Internet-service providers such as Comcast Corp. or Verizon Communications Inc. would be free to begin offering new packages with pricing schemes that deliver some kinds of content but not others.“ – The Wall Street Journal

The Internet Should Be Open and Free

At 9 Clouds, we believe that education is central to any successful endeavor.

If you want to sell cars, you need to educate your buyers.

If we want to help our clients market their dealership, we need to educate them on the latest strategies in online marketing.

If I want to build a better community, I do it by educating myself and those around me.

The free and open Internet is the greatest platform for expanding human knowledge that we’ve ever known. For your business, your community, and for your private use, the Internet should not be pay-to-play.

How This Affects Your Business

Under the new rule set, some of your leads and customers could have access to local websites slowed down, or see them loading slower than prioritized sites or apps.

Whether you run a dealership or a small Etsy store out of your home, that’s a problem. Instead of showing equally at the fingertips of shoppers, large companies can dominate the online market.

“The new rules could allow novel alliances between broadband providers and major entertainment, shopping, search and social-media platforms. They also open the door to new online ventures by the providers themselves.” – The Wall Street Journal

On top of that, if people get fed up or can’t afford the Internet at elevated rates, you’re losing out opportunities to connect with customers.

All the time and money you’ve spent on exposure online loses value every time Internet providers discourage someone from using your site.

What You Can Do Now

As we said last month, you’ve got to raise a ruckus. Call or write a letter to your members of Congress, both in the House and Senate, and tell them to step in with legislation that protects a free and open Internet.

Use this link to find your member of Congress:

Tell your Congress members to support net neutrality »

It doesn’t matter if they’re Democrats or Republicans, tell them: No fast lanes or priority access. Everyone should be on the same open web.

The free and open Internet supports the free flow of knowledge and ideas. It supports free speech and the free market, and we hope that you’ll support it back.

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