Category net neutrality

Image for  How OpenMedia fought for  net neutrality!

How OpenMedia fought for net neutrality!

It was a sad day for the Internet when Ajit Pai’s FCC repealed #NetNeutrality back in 2017. But the Internet and the OpenMedia community fought back. Here’s the story how we did it.
Image for What you need to know about Biden’s FCC Nominations

What you need to know about Biden’s FCC Nominations

Joe Biden recently presented his nominations for the FCC. Here’s what that means for America’s Internet.
Image for The BTL…What? What is the BTLR report and what it means for the future of our Internet

The BTL…What? What is the BTLR report and what it means for the future of our Internet

The report grants the CRTC far-reaching powers over media, but fails to provide systemic solutions to the issue of telecom affordability and access.
Image for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislative Review Panel releases its “what we heard” interim report

Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislative Review Panel releases its “what we heard” interim report

The report contains few surprises and a variety of different themes relevant to the future of the Internet in Canada
Image for Ajit Pai’s worst nightmare: A congressional bill to save Net Neutrality

Ajit Pai’s worst nightmare: A congressional bill to save Net Neutrality

The Democratic congressional leadership just introduced a bill that could save Net Neutrality for real.
Image for Our submission to the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Act review is in — thanks for speaking out!

Our submission to the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Act review is in — thanks for speaking out!

We submitted our views to the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Act review on behalf of the OpenMedia community to foster an open and innovative Internet in Canada. Thank you for adding your voices!
Image for Why is CRTC chair repeating Big Telecom’s talking points against net neutrality?

Why is CRTC chair repeating Big Telecom’s talking points against net neutrality?

It’s a problem when the CRTC chair uses industry talking points when calling for greater “flexibility” for Net Neutrality. Internet users in Canada can’t let this fly.
Image for Let’s Bring Net Neutrality Back For Good!

Let’s Bring Net Neutrality Back For Good!

Today is the anniversary of the FCC’s repeal of Net Neutrality and we need to make sure we do everything we can to bring back these important protections for the open Internet.
Image for The Future of Canada’s Internet Is In Our Hands

The Future of Canada’s Internet Is In Our Hands

Our best chance in decades to put the public interest at the heart of the laws that govern Canada’s Internet is here. This is how we seize it.
Image for Net Neutrality is under attack in Canada — here’s how we save it

Net Neutrality is under attack in Canada — here’s how we save it

The CRTC Chair has recently expressed a lack of commitment to robust Net Neutrality protections in Canada, which raises serious concerns. Here's how we fight back:
Image for I was worried. Now, I’m filled with gratitude.

I was worried. Now, I’m filled with gratitude.

Your support fuels our work and the people who are behind it. Thank you so much!
Image for I was worried. Now, I’m filled with gratitude.

I was worried. Now, I’m filled with gratitude.

Your support fuels our work and the people who are behind it. Thank you so much!
Image for Your Net Neutrality Billboards in Action

Your Net Neutrality Billboards in Action

Thanks to your generous support, the OpenMedia community put up two giant billboards In Utah and Colorado to ensure your representatives hear your message to restore Net Neutrality.
Image for Net Neutrality and affordability at the heart of the Canadian Telecom Act review

Net Neutrality and affordability at the heart of the Canadian Telecom Act review

Questions about funding Canadian Content leave the Internet Tax problematically on the table in the Broadcast Act review
Image for Huge win for open Internet as U.S. Senate votes to restore Net Neutrality protections

Huge win for open Internet as U.S. Senate votes to restore Net Neutrality protections

Next step is for the House of Representatives to vote to reject the Federal Communications Commission’s assault on the open Internet — so we must keep up the pressure!
Image for Bell’s Website Blocking Plan Is Authoritarian Overkill

Bell’s Website Blocking Plan Is Authoritarian Overkill

"With legal options for content delivery on the upswing, effective tools for curbing piracy already in place, and illegal sharing on the downward slide, Bell's website blocking proposal is like using a machine gun to kill a mosquito."
Image for So Long and Thanks for All the Comments

So Long and Thanks for All the Comments

It’s goodbye, but it’s not the end. Thank you for everything, and let’s keep working to build a more just world, online and off.
Image for New Year, New Fight: 2017 in review and the battle ahead for digital rights

New Year, New Fight: 2017 in review and the battle ahead for digital rights

From Net Neutrality to proposed mandatory content filtering in the EU, 2017 was a big year for Internet advocates. What's next in 2018? 
Image for You made these Net Neutrality billboards possible!

You made these Net Neutrality billboards possible!

Big shout out to all of you who chipped in to help us put massive Net Neutrality billboards in the U.S.! Stay tuned for the next steps in the fight, because it’s far from over.
Image for U.S. Federal Communications Commission votes to repeal Net Neutrality protections that ensure an open and equal Internet

U.S. Federal Communications Commission votes to repeal Net Neutrality protections that ensure an open and equal Internet

Canadian Internet users and businesses will feel the impact of this vote on their pocketbooks, with a loss of innovation and potential harm to policies here at home
Image for FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announces proposal to dismantle U.S. Net Neutrality protections in a move that will have ramifications for Canada’s Internet

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announces proposal to dismantle U.S. Net Neutrality protections in a move that will have ramifications for Canada’s Internet

If passed, the order will threaten Canada’s current robust Net Neutrality north of the border and have serious implications on Canadian Internet users.
Image for FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announces proposal to dismantle Net Neutrality protections

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announces proposal to dismantle Net Neutrality protections

If passed, the order will make the Internet more expensive and give already powerful telecom companies even more control over citizens’ online experience.
Image for How Can NAFTA Get It Right on Copyright?  We Went to Washington D.C. to Find Out

How Can NAFTA Get It Right on Copyright?  We Went to Washington D.C. to Find Out

OpenMedia's external legal counsel Cynthia Khoo reports back from collaborating with copyright experts and allies in Washington, D.C., to help craft user-centric copyright principles for an updated NAFTA.
Image for Defending Your Digital Rights in NAFTA 2.0

Defending Your Digital Rights in NAFTA 2.0

We recently submitted a brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT), recommending what the government should do to ensure Canadians’ best interests are protected when it comes to how our digital rights are treated in a new NAFTA.
Image for Taking Your Voices on NAFTA to Ottawa

Taking Your Voices on NAFTA to Ottawa

OpenMedia's external legal counsel Cynthia Khoo reports back from meeting with Tracey Ramsey, NDP Critic for International Trade and Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on International Trade
Image for The final word on Net Neutrality

The final word on Net Neutrality

We have one last chance to get voices on the public record ahead of the FCC's final crucial deadline on August 30.
Image for Internet breaks records with massive Day of Action for Net Neutrality

Internet breaks records with massive Day of Action for Net Neutrality

On Wednesday, July 12, the Internet came together to stand up for an open web 
Image for NAFTA renegotiation could undermine Canada’s digital freedoms

NAFTA renegotiation could undermine Canada’s digital freedoms

An imminent renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) raises big concerns in the Canadian digital rights sphere, including the undermining of our stronger privacy, net neutrality and intellectual property policies.
Image for Federal Communications Commission votes to begin dismantling Net Neutrality

Federal Communications Commission votes to begin dismantling Net Neutrality

Trump-appointed FCC Chairman Ajit Pai is backing a plan that will eliminate Title II protections that ensure all traffic is treated equally online
Image for FCC Chair Ajit Pai Confirms Internet Users’ Worst Fears As He Announces Plans to Undo Net Neutrality

FCC Chair Ajit Pai Confirms Internet Users’ Worst Fears As He Announces Plans to Undo Net Neutrality

Get ready Internet advocates – one of the most important battles in the history of the Internet is upon us.
Image for Letter to the community: Standing together in the face of adversity

Letter to the community: Standing together in the face of adversity

In the wake of recent events, we thought it was time to check in. Here’s a letter to our community from our Executive Director Laura Tribe. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Image for FCC raises concerns about zero rated programs

FCC raises concerns about zero rated programs

Looks like AT&T is playing foul again when it comes to net neutrality.
Image for CRTC rules that website blocking provisions of Québec’s Bill 74 violate federal law

CRTC rules that website blocking provisions of Québec’s Bill 74 violate federal law

Pro-Internet advocates welcome ruling, having argued that Bill 74’s website blocking raises censorship concerns and violates rules which keep our Internet free and open.
Image for Make sure you’re paying attention to the net neutrality debate

Make sure you’re paying attention to the net neutrality debate

On net neutrality in Canada: have you been watching? Watch closer.

OpenMedia’s presentation at the CRTC hearings on differential pricing (a.k.a. zero-rating)

With support from 55,000 Canadians, OpenMedia testified at crucial CRTC hearings on November 3, 2016, and called on them to End Data Caps. Here's what our team had to say.
Image for “Listen to Canadians, Aim Higher for Canada, and Protect Innovation for All” — OpenMedia at today’s #EndDataCaps CRTC hearings

“Listen to Canadians, Aim Higher for Canada, and Protect Innovation for All” — OpenMedia at today’s #EndDataCaps CRTC hearings

Today, with support from 55,000 of you, OpenMedia testified at crucial CRTC hearings, and called on them to End Data Caps. Here’s what happened!
Image for We’re live at the CRTC!

We’re live at the CRTC!

We're glued to our screens and we know you are too! Find out below all the ways you can follow us at today's CRTC hearing.
Image for Tomorrow, we’re testifying at the CRTC to End Data Caps! Here’s how to follow us live

Tomorrow, we’re testifying at the CRTC to End Data Caps! Here’s how to follow us live

On Thursday, your OpenMedia team is testifying at the CRTC, calling on them to stand up for consumers and End Data Caps. Here’s how to stay in the loop.
Image for It’s Time for Canadian Data Plans to Catch Up to Our Changing Viewing Habits

It’s Time for Canadian Data Plans to Catch Up to Our Changing Viewing Habits

"Dollars for data, Canadians are paying more for gigabyte than just about anywhere else in the world."
Image for Looking for unlimited Internet? You’re much better off with an indie provider, finds our new report

Looking for unlimited Internet? You’re much better off with an indie provider, finds our new report

Independent and regional providers offer a much better deal when it comes to much-loathed data caps and overage fees
Image for Consumer advocates highlight industry support for ending data caps and upholding Net Neutrality in CRTC consultation

Consumer advocates highlight industry support for ending data caps and upholding Net Neutrality in CRTC consultation

Rogers’ opposition to zero-rating and moves by U.S. firms Netflix and T-Mobile suggest Canadian telecoms should follow their lead and offer unlimited data plans 
Image for Quebec’s Bill 74 puts us all on a slippery slope toward Internet censorship

Quebec’s Bill 74 puts us all on a slippery slope toward Internet censorship

An extreme new law close to home could pave the way to a terrible future for the open Internet in Canada.
Image for Europe’s new Net Neutrality guidelines a big win for the open Internet

Europe’s new Net Neutrality guidelines a big win for the open Internet

The rules are as strong as digital rights advocates could have hoped for — and now we need to make sure they’re enforced.
Image for As EU publishes strong Net Neutrality rules, Canada cannot afford to fall behind

As EU publishes strong Net Neutrality rules, Canada cannot afford to fall behind

Canada’s CRTC will soon hold hearings on how best to protect the open Internet: today’s new EU regulations set a positive example.
Image for An interview with Ben Klass: a telecom policy love story, and beating Bell at the CRTC

An interview with Ben Klass: a telecom policy love story, and beating Bell at the CRTC

I sat down with Ben Klass, a student, researcher and citizen-leader in telecom policy reform in Canada. We spoke about why he cares about the open Web, how he came to be involved with OpenMedia and his journey in the Bell Mobile TV CRTC complaint. This is the edited version of our interview below.
Image for Why it matters: Facebook “news suppression” and Internet.org

Why it matters: Facebook “news suppression” and Internet.org

Facebook is positioning itself as a potential global agenda-setting gatekeeper. So why do they insist they support a free Internet?
Image for Internet users want Net Neutrality!

Internet users want Net Neutrality!

Over half a million people, including OpenMedia supporters, across multiple coalitions and countries, took part in a campaign to tell the EU telecom regulator to stand up for net neutrality.
Image for Online toll booths or a free and open Internet? Europe needs to hear from you

Online toll booths or a free and open Internet? Europe needs to hear from you

We have until July 18 to speak up for Net Neutrality ahead of a landmark European ruling.
Image for U.S. Net Neutrality ruling sends a clear message to the CRTC

U.S. Net Neutrality ruling sends a clear message to the CRTC

June’s ‘open Internet’ win in the United States may be a sign of what’s to come for the CRTC’s Net Neutrality review.
Image for Québec is gambling with Internet censorship: what is Bill 74 and how can we kill it?

Québec is gambling with Internet censorship: what is Bill 74 and how can we kill it?

Blatant censorship of the Internet for financial gain.
Image for We can finally put an end to data caps—but will the CRTC listen?

We can finally put an end to data caps—but will the CRTC listen?

Canadians now have a unique opportunity to end mean-spirited data caps as the CRTC announces public consultation, and your OpenMedia team is on board to ensure affordable home broadband and wireless services for all.
Image for Huge win for the Internet, as U.S. Court of Appeals  upholds hard-won Net Neutrality rules

Huge win for the Internet, as U.S. Court of Appeals upholds hard-won Net Neutrality rules

Key ruling prohibiting Internet slow lanes sends strong signal to Canada and the European Union, which are currently reviewing their own Net Neutrality rules
Image for Data Caps and Overage Fees: What ISPs Aren’t Telling You

Data Caps and Overage Fees: What ISPs Aren’t Telling You

Telecom companies are keeping Canadians on a short leash when it comes to data caps.
Image for CRTC urged to end Internet data caps and punitive overage charges

CRTC urged to end Internet data caps and punitive overage charges

Internet users are mobilizing to seek end to data caps, as new report reveals how Canadians are getting a raw deal on both wired and wireless services.
Image for What the heck is zero-rating and how does it undermine Net Neutrality?

What the heck is zero-rating and how does it undermine Net Neutrality?

The rise of a controversial practice called ‘zero-rating’ has Internet freedom advocates worried about the future of the open Web and innovation. Find out why.
Image for Last year’s historic net neutrality win could be undone with one off-the-radar bill

Last year’s historic net neutrality win could be undone with one off-the-radar bill

A new bill could undo the major win of pro-Internet communities last year who fought to keep telecom companies from creating slow lanes online
Image for Working together for Affordable Internet across Africa

Working together for Affordable Internet across Africa

The Internet is coming together for Fast, Affordable, Safe, and Transparent Internet for Africa.
Image for Will the open Internet survive the EU’s ambiguous Net Neutrality legislation?

Will the open Internet survive the EU’s ambiguous Net Neutrality legislation?

Last year the EU Parliament passed Net Neutrality legislation that was largely an ambiguous mixed bag. The coming weeks will determine which way it goes.
Image for There’s a Lot to Learn From India’s Internet Freedom Movement

There’s a Lot to Learn From India’s Internet Freedom Movement

What are some lessons learned from the person who led one of the most important victories for the open Internet, namely, the massive Save The Internet campaign in India?
Image for What the heck is a VPN?

What the heck is a VPN?

What’s a VPN? What does it do? How does it work?
Image for A billion Internet users just won big

A billion Internet users just won big

India’s new Net Neutrality protections only happened because tens of thousands of Internet users spoke out.
Image for Why is Netflix cracking down on essential privacy tools?

Why is Netflix cracking down on essential privacy tools?

Netflix cracking down privacy tools to encrypt traffic not only exposes users' online privacy but it also provides grounds for predatory market practices that violate Net Neutrality rules.
Image for Recap: Facebook’s Plan To Give The World A Fake Internet Service

Recap: Facebook’s Plan To Give The World A Fake Internet Service

Here’s a brief rundown of Facebook’s highly controversial Free Basics program.
Image for Opening Facebook’s controversial Free Basics platform

Opening Facebook’s controversial Free Basics platform

OpenMedia has sent a letter to Facebook requesting common sense, pro-Internet reforms be made to their controversial “Free Basics” platform.
Image for Looking back at 2015: our biggest wins, and the challenges yet to come

Looking back at 2015: our biggest wins, and the challenges yet to come

2015 was the busiest year in our young organization’s history. Check out what our community achieved together!
Image for Arstechnica: Videotron provoking net neutrality fight with unlimited music

Arstechnica: Videotron provoking net neutrality fight with unlimited music

Instead of giving Big Telecom giants the power to choose which online apps and services are more expensive, why don't they treat all services equally? Let's put Canadians in the driver's seat – not these out of touch telecom giants. Article by Peter Nowak for Arstechnica Quebec wireless provider Videotron looks to be stepping into a net neutrality battle with a new unlimited music service that boasts “zero data usage.” But is the offer offside Canada’s fair internet rules? Unlike previous, similar situations involving the country’s wireless carriers, this one isn’t as cut and dried.
Image for We’re Telling Congress Not to Force us into an Internet Slow Lane

We’re Telling Congress Not to Force us into an Internet Slow Lane

Well, here we go again: a powerful committee in the U.S. House of Representatives has introduced a bill that would kill the FCC's Open Internet rules – or, so-called “Net Neutrality” rules – that we fought hard for and won after a long battle alongside a broad coalition of civil society organizations, Internet freedom groups, and millions and millions of Internet users.
Image for June 3 is Cell Phone Freedom Day!

June 3 is Cell Phone Freedom Day!

Good news Canada! June 3, 2015 is Cell Phone Freedom Day. Starting next Wednesday, three year contracts which have run for 24 months or more can be cancelled without any penalties. For example, if you entered into a 3-year cell phone contract on June 3, 2013, you now have the option of ending that contract on June 3, 2015, without penalty.
Image for Zuckerberg’s Internet.org is NOT the real Internet. It’s a trap

Zuckerberg’s Internet.org is NOT the real Internet. It’s a trap

In response to pressure from our community, OpenMedia launched a new campaign called No Fake Internet, inviting people from around the world to stand with open Internet advocates in places like India, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Paraguay, Panama, and others, who are demanding access to the full, real, open Internet. As many of you are already aware, their pleas come in response to growing outrage over Internet.org, a controversial new platform from Facebook and large telecom providers where selected services are prioritized over others. This is, of course, a move by Zuckerberg to make Facebook a gatekeeper of the Web that currently knows no boundaries. 
Image for  Guardian: Facebook is NOT the Internet

Guardian: Facebook is NOT the Internet

If Zuckerberg actually cares about helping the world's poorest in this way, he should use his wealth and influence to boost the initiatives that are already on the ground. Article by John Naughton for The Guardian  Some years ago, I had a conversation with a senior minister in which he revealed that he thought the web was the internet.
Image for Alphabeatic: Canada still leads in high wireless prices

Alphabeatic: Canada still leads in high wireless prices

Wireless savings? Not for now. Canadians' wallets are still hurting.  Article by Peter Nowak for Alphabeatic With the CRTC’s decision this week to forego implementing rules that would have allowed small companies to share the networks of bigger players, the regulator and government are both now pinning their hopes for wireless savings on newer competitors building infrastructure that’s strong enough to challenge the likes of Bell, Rogers and Telus.
Image for How we stopped the Internet Slow Lane

How we stopped the Internet Slow Lane

A look back at our historic (and successful!) campaign to stop the Internet slow lane
Image for The Internet you know is about to look a whole lot different. And you might not like what you see.

The Internet you know is about to look a whole lot different. And you might not like what you see.

Imagine a world in which your favorite indie comedy troupe can no longer afford the bandwidth to stream the sketches you love onto your desktop. Or a world in which the small e-shopping website you love shuts down as a result of an outrageous jump in bandwidth costs. Now, while you’re at it, imagine your shock when you discover your Internet bill has skyrocketed because your ISP is now charging extra to ensure your Netflix stream doesn’t come a grinding halt, or that you’re able to connect with friends on Facebook. Unfortunately, this is what a world without net neutrality rules could look like – rules that hang in the balance for our neighbours to the south.
Image for Ben Klass complaint against Bell prompts CRTC to review mobile Internet rules

Ben Klass complaint against Bell prompts CRTC to review mobile Internet rules

Several months ago, we let you know that Manitoba resident and OpenMedia community member Ben Klass had filed a complaint with Canada’s telecom policymaker, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Ben’s complaint claimed that telecom giant Bell was unfairly stifling certain types of mobile content over their wireless networks to give their own content a speed advantage over content not owned by Bell.
Image for European Parliament Opposes Restrictive Measures in Both CETA and ITU

European Parliament Opposes Restrictive Measures in Both CETA and ITU

According to Internet freedom group European Digital Rights, provisions that would criminalize our Internet use may be dropped from the Canada-EU Trade Agreement (CETA)! While the battle isn’t over yet, this is a huge step forward for the Internet freedom community and the thousands of Canadians who shouted down the same provisions in July of this year, when they were part of the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). European Digital Rights has seen leaked documents showing a proposal to delete the criminal sanctions section of CETA; this has been supported by many EU Member States. As a result, it looks like the removal of restrictive, ACTA-like intellectual property provisions will be a central part of Europe’s negotiations with Canada.

OpenMedia works to keep the Internet open, affordable, and surveillance-free. We create community-driven campaigns to engage, educate, and empower people to safeguard the Internet. Take action now

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