Huge public outcry succeeds in forcing FCC to back away from officially endorsing Big Telecom’s Slow Lane plan The U.S. Federal Communications Commission announced this morning that it will push ahead with a proposal that could create an Internet slow lane for everyone except deep-pocketed conglomerates. However, at the last minute, the FCC pulled back from their the original vision for the slow lane proposal, which is being pushed for by Big Telecom, by opening the possibility of reclassifying broadband as a telecommunications service. Experts agree that reclassification the only way to safeguard the open Internet and put an end to the prospect of slow lanes. The FCC proposal now moves into a 60-day public comment period, followed by a further 60 days for response. Nearly 100,000 people have spoken out against the Slow Lane as part of an international campaign led by OpenMedia in partnership with The Nation magazine.

Internet users around the world are speaking out to prevent drastic new proposals that could see many favourite websites slow to a crawl. Leading Canadian Internet freedom group OpenMedia.org has teamed up with The Nation magazine and other groups to launch an international online campaign aimed at stopping the plan. Key decision-makers at the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) meet Thursday to discuss a proposal from FCC Chair Tom Wheeler that would force every service that can’t pay new “prioritization” fees into a slow lane. The proposed new rules would come into effect in the U.S., but their effects would soon be felt worldwide, crippling many favorite websites and online services, while making it more expensive for people to use the Internet.

Incoherent for government to advance protections on commercial privacy, while at same time advancing Bill C-13 which would throw door open to widespread government surveillance of law-abiding Canadians

Report lifts the curtain on how Internet providers protect privacy, giving Canadians an at-a-glance tool to rate their provider’s transparency compared with others

Government trying to smuggle through unpopular online spying measures that would grant immunity to telecom providers that hand over private information without a warrant

Government must ensure more choice to save Canadians from price-gouging and disrespectful customer service

OpenMedia.ca says Canadians deserve a transparent independent investigation and total overhaul of failed government spy agency CSEC’s oversight, following confirmation that the agency has been monitoring and tracking the precise movements of thousands of Canadians without cause

Academic researchers and civil liberties groups send detailed request aimed at revealing full extent of government spying on Canadians through telecom providers

Wind Mobile has announced it will not participate in tomorrow’s wireless auction of assets crucial to the future of cell phone service in Canada. The move could spell the end to national independent cell phone service in Canada if government does not act.

Industry Minister James Moore’s announcement contains positive steps but will leave Canadians disappointed at insufficient support for much-needed affordable options