Representative
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

RE: Protect the Internet from corporate greed!

Dear Representative ,

Network neutrality is critically important to the future of freedom and innovation on the Internet. Unfortunately, the Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006 (COPE Act) effectively binds the hands of the Federal Communications Commission, leaving Internet providers free to violate network neutrality principles in pursuit of greater profits. I strongly urge you to vote against the COPE Act.

Many Internet providers, including AT&T, Verizon and Comcast, have already announced plans to create "tiers" or "lanes" on the Information Superhighway, and to charge websites and web-based services for the ability to operate in the "fast lane." Creating a multi-tiered system would put small businesses and innovators at a significant disadvantage and stifle innovation on the Internet. Where will the next Amazon, eBay or Google come from if the telecom giants are allowed to impose costly barriers to entry? What will happen to the open and freewheeling nature of the Internet if network providers are allowed to control the flow of information?

From its beginnings, the Internet was built on a cooperative, democratic ideal. The only job of network providers is to move data between users. They must not be allowed block or discriminate against any of the legal content and services available online.

The COPE Act jeopardizes the free and open nature of the Internet. Please vote against this flawed bill and urge all of your colleagues to do likewise.