Because communities of color and low-income groups are much more dependent on wireless networks and less likely to have access to wired broadband at home, it is extremely important for as many of the same rules as possible to apply to wireless and wired networks so that the already-too-large “digital divide” does not become even wider.
AT&T, Inc. is seeking government approval to purchase one of its major competitors, Deutsche Telekom’s T-Mobile USA. This combination could negatively impact competition, consumer choice, and consumers’ pocketbooks. If AT&T is allowed to purchase T-Mobile, this will result in nearly 80% of the wireless market being dominated by two wireless carriers – AT&T and Verizon. Moreover, the wireless market is subject to no regulatory regime, thus if AT&T or Verizon were to engage in anti-competitive, anti-consumer behavior, consumers would have little to no recourse.
Relationship between Verizon blocking NARAL Pro-Choice America from sending text messages to subscribers who wanted to receive
them, and Net Neutrality principle.
Author:
Gotham Gazette's TechNewsletter
Description:
(excerpt) Following a New York Times article and a public outcry, Verizon
rescinded its rejection. But the fact that Verizon can reject or block
politically controversial messages, whether or not it does, left many
people feeling outraged.
On October 17, New York State Assemblymember Richard Brodsky
convened a hearing to get the facts from NARAL and Verizon and to
consider the issue of net neutrality, which would prevent Verizon and
other service providers from withholding service based on the content
of messages.
