The following is a letter to the FCC from a small business owner in support of a strong Net Neutrality rule:

Dear FCC Commissioners,

My name is Debra Brown, and I am the co-founder and COO of Mobilize Us. I am writing to request that you stand in support of Network Neutrality, the principle that protects consumers’ choice of content and equal opportunity on the Internet.

Net Neutrality lowers the barriers to entry for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. Starting a business is hard, but without Net Neutrality, it would be all but impossible for entrepreneurs such as me. My business partner and I started our company out of our desire to help grassroots organizations and local businesses utilize technology that is traditionally monopolized by big business.

We rely almost exclusively on the Internet to reach new customers and showcase our services. We don’t have access to the capital large corporations have to buy mainstream advertising, and the Internet is the primary way in which we can combat this otherwise insurmountable competitive disadvantage. I also use the Internet to manage every component of my service, and I don’t want my ability to work efficiently jeopardized because Internet service providers are given free range to speed up, slow down or block Web content based on its source, ownership or destination.

Net Neutrality not only affects me as a business owner, but as a consumer and an engaged member of society. As a person who has never been satisfied with the status quo, I cringe at the thought of being forced to consume, believe or be limited by what is shoved down my throat by mainstream media. I rely on the Internet to find credible news sources on the issues that are important to me, and to locate and/or purchase goods and services that are consistent with my values.

I therefore find it deeply disturbing that under current law (or the lack thereof), Internet service providers have been able to block Web sites, content, services or applications they don’t like. This happened when Comcast secretly interfered with users' ability to access popular video, photo and music-sharing applications, and when AT&T censored political speech by the band Pearl Jam’s lead singer. Similarly, I was deeply disturbed when Verizon blocked text messages between a pro-choice organization and its members.

As you know, there is a critical debate in Washington right now over whether the Internet will continue to serve as a fundamental tool for economic growth, civic engagement, diversity and choice. In this debate, the Federal Communications Commission can be a strong voice on behalf of an open and neutral Internet.

Accordingly, I wholeheartedly request that the FCC take action now to safeguard the free flow of information on the Web before it’s too late.

Sincerely,

Debra Brown
Co-Founder and COO
Syzygic, LLC
http://www.MobilizeUs.com