On Tuesday, July 24, 2018, the Montclair Township Council discussed and passed a resolution put forth by Deputy Mayor Sean Spiller regarding Net Neutrality. The resolution sought to “preserve a free and open internet that enables access to all content and applications regardless of their source, without favoring or blocking particular products and websites.”
This resolution was put forth as a result of the FCC repeal of Net Neutrality rules, which went into effect on June 11, 2018 and is modeled after Governor Murphy’s executive order to establish net neutrality laws here in the state of NJ.
Without net neutrality rules, internet providers can choose to block or slow access to content and favor their own materials or others’ materials with faster speeds. The lack of these rules also allows internet providers to offer paid “fast lanes.” This would mean that people would have to pay more to have high-speed access to the content of their choice. Without the protections of net neutrality, internet customers will be subject to the unfettered greed of corporate internet service providers who will be free to charge exorbitant fees, filter content and block access from users.
Access to a free and open Internet is an essential part of a functioning modern society and should be the right of everyone – not just a privileged few. Net Neutrality rules are important for a number of reasons; the most important being that everyone has access to an open internet that is free from blocked or slowed content for the purposes of profiting off the public. The passage of this resolution represents a victory in the fight against the restriction and constraint of content.
“I am profoundly grateful that my council colleagues have recognized the importance of keeping the Internet open for all citizens and of safeguarding this vital part of our lives from corporate interests that would seek to limit and inhibit it,” said Deputy Mayor Sean Spiller.
Montclair is a progressive and forward-looking community. As such, municipalities throughout New Jersey and throughout the United States look to Montclair to set an example for social and economic justice.