INTERNET FREEDOM—Federal Consumer Program Director Ed Mierzwinski works to stop Congress from overturning net neutrality, a protection that keeps the internet free of gatekeepers. The policy could set up a system of gatekeepers that control the content that we view.

The Internet has provided a shot in the arm to our democratic system in part because it’s open to all—anyone can post a Web site or a blog at minimal cost and reach anyone who’s interested in reading what they have to say.

But a recent move pushed by the phone and cable companies could make it harder for some voices to be heard on the Internet.

The issue revolves around the principle of “Net neutrality,” under which Internet service providers are expected not to show favor to content providers, whether those providers are Amazon.com or MoveOn or any American citizen.

The job of an Internet service provider is to deliver the content and leave it up to you to read and respond to what interests you.

Now Congress is thinking about rewriting the rules of the game, so telecom companies like Verizon and AT&T can, in effect, create two tiers of the Web—a fast lane and a slow lane.

Companies and organizations and individuals that are willing to pay more could have their content delivered via the fast lane. The rest of us would see our content diverted to the slow lane, regardless of the speed of the internet connection that you have.

Of particular concern are those organizations that lack the resources to compete in this type of “pay-to-play” arena, such as non-profit organizations, small towns and educational institutions like colleges and universities.

With limited budgets and important services to provide, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to afford “premium” access.

“This move undermines the spirit and the promise of the Internet to revitalize our democracy and our lives,” said Ed Mierzwinski, consumer program director. “If Congress allows this to happen, we’ll see a new digital divide between the powerful and the rest of us—one that will not easily be remedied after powerful interests get used to the new rules of the game.

”Georgia PIRG is part of a media and democracy coalition of more than 200 labor unions, local broadcasters, media reform groups and others that are asking the FCC to preserve vibrant and diverse media, including the Internet.

Over the summer, the House Judiciary Committee passed Georgia PIRG-backed legislation to preserve net neutrality and keep the Internet free.

This critical vote shows that phone company rhetoric against keeping the Internet free is starting to lose its appeal. The bill will head to the rest of the House for a vote in the fall, but will be accompanied by other attempts by the telecom industry to roll back Net neutrality under the guise of competition.