The FCC held a recent public hearing on network neutrality, and a lot of scrutiny was placed on Comcast's degredation of peer-to-peer applications on their broadband network. This, for instance, hampers video applications and discourages Comcast subscribers from using alternatives to their cable TV services.
The Save the Internet Coalition discovered that Comcast (or one of their supporters) bussed in people to fill chairs, so the public would be blocked from participating.
Comcast — or someone who really, really likes Comcast — evidently bused in its own crowd. These seat-warmers, were paid to fill the room, a move that kept others from taking part.
This is despicable. Comcast really needs a lesson in open communication.
Full article here: Comcast Blocking: First the Internet — Now the Public
Comments
Here's the problem:
Comcast takes the same approach to public debate that it has to Internet access: that it can wield substantial political and market power to shut out debate and shut up people. For too long, communications policymaking has been rigged against us. We need to send a wakeup call to phone and cable giants and their powerful lobbyists that they will no longer set the agenda. Check out this new video we just released: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYGtNmmb2y0
The purpose of the Internet is to give power over information to everyone. The role of our elected leaders is to protect our basic right to communicate from those who want to take it away from us. Whether it's on the Internet or at public hearings we must stand up for everyone's right to connect.
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