Deadline: 10-11-2006

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Two-thirds of all U.S. households today don’t have high-speed Internet access - either because private Internet service providers won’t offer it in their area, or because it’s just too expensive.

That’s why hundreds of communities have taken matters into their own hands, offering less expensive high-speed wireless Internet access over public networks to connect consumers, schools, libraries and businesses to the Internet at prices they can afford. But these wireless networks use public airwaves that are in short supply.

And now, Congress is getting set to consider legislation that would sell our public airwaves to big corporate interests, and in the process prevent communities from using them to offer low-cost wireless Internet access to their less affluent residents. If passed, the legislation would allow the telecomm industry to retain total control over the market for Internet services.

It’s clear that limiting broadband Internet access to the wealthiest consumers would enrich a handful of big media companies, but at what cost to our communities? Wider access to broadband Internet service benefits us all, by enhancing public safety, nurturing economic development and providing educational opportunities to a larger number of households.

Urge your legislators to promote low-cost community Internet programs by giving us access to the public airwaves!

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Don't Let Corporations Hog the Airwaves - Support Community Internet!

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Dear [senator/representative],

As Congress considers upcoming budget legislation, I urge your support for measures that will ensure that local communities have access to sufficient and high quality public airwaves that will help them offer high-speed community Internet services.

As part of the budget process, Congress plans to sell some of the public's most valuable airwaves to telecommunications giants. But before rushing ahead to allow private corporations to use those airwaves to amass more market power and charge consumers higher prices, Congress should set aside a portion of the airwaves for the public to use in community wireless Internet projects. These community projects will result in more choices and lower prices for consumers when it comes to connecting to the Internet.

Today, two-thirds of all households don't have high-speed Internet--either because big telecommunications companies won't offer it in their area, or because it's just too expensive. In response, hundreds of communities have taken matters into their own hands, offering their own affordable high-speed Internet services, often using wireless networks that use open, public airwaves to connect consumers, schools, libraries and businesses to the Internet at prices they can afford.

But the airwaves they rely on are in short supply and have some limitations. With more and higher quality airwaves, communities could offer these networks at even lower prices and to more people. Unfortunately, the telecommunications and media giants want to hog the best airwaves for themselves.

Please don't let them. Support legislation that will reserve a portion of the public airwaves for open public use so that all consumers can enjoy the benefits that affordable high-speed Internet access brings.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

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