I’m breaking from the usual blogging tips to
bring you a public service announcement crucial to anybody
that does business online.

The foundation of business online is open and free access to
the complete internet: no limits, no fences, no boundaries.
This is called ‘Net Neutrality.’ Over the past two decades, the
internet has become the underlying infrastructure for billions
of dollars of business – as essential as electricty in powering
the global economy.

Now, imagine if the eletric company made your refrigerator
run slower if it wasn’t a Whirlpool brand.

::::: Online Business is Endangered

Recently, telecom companies in the United States have lobbied
for greater control of the internet which would strike down
‘Net Neutrality’ – the very foundation of the internet’s success.

As a small business owner online, the leveling effect of the
internet is key to keeping competitive. If you can’t play on the
same level as the existing larger companies, you won’t be able
to make an impact.

- Imagine your ISP charging you more to buy products unless
you use a preferred provider.
- Imagine your email being delayed while preferred customers
who have paid more get faster service.

It seems crazy – but it’s going to happen. Unless you act now.

::::: You Must Act Today

If you live within the United States, please contact your
representatives in the House and Senate immediately and let
them know that AT&T, Verizon, Comcast and Time Warner
don’t get to decide the future of online business – we do.

Here’s what to do:

1. Email your Representatives in the House and Senate:
http://action.freepress.net/campaign/savethenet

2. Then, pick up the phone.

3. Call your representatives in the House and Senate.

- Not sure who they are? Go to http://house.gov/ and
http://senate.gov/ and enter your ZIP code.

4. Say ‘I want to call in my support for the Markey Network
Neutrality amendment sponsored by Rep. Ed Markey and I fully
support net neutrality for the continued success of my
business. Thank you.’ They may ask for your ZIP code to
ensure you are a constituent.

4. Tell your friends and colleagues.

If you live outside the United States, please contact your
colleagues inside the US to act on this legislation now.

::::: Thank you

If the internet is key to the success of your business in any
way, Net Neutrality must be ensured. The telecom companies
don’t have any business telling us how to run our business.
The success of business online depends on unfettered, free,
open access to media, information and commerce.

p.s. For more extensive information on the far-reaching
effects of this legislation to http://savetheinternet.com/