Assemblyman Jones: North Country Families Deserve Access to Affordable, Open Internet

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that he helped pass legislation that would require the Public Service Commission (PSC) to establish a process for internet service providers (ISPs) to certify that they follow net neutrality principles (A.2432).

“We rely on the internet for so many of our day-to-day necessities, from our jobs and finances to checking in on our children and loved ones,” Jones said. “I know folks in the North Country already have to deal with service issues and don’t want more problems to arise. This legislation protects our internet access and freedoms.”

Under the bill, the PSC would ensure each ISP does not engage in certain unfair practices, including throttling, which is the intentional slowing or speeding of an internet service,[1] or paid prioritization, which involves a company charging an additional fee to transport a video stream or other content at a higher speed through its network.[2] The measure would also require that New York State only contract with ISPs that adhere to these principals.

The legislation attempts to counteract the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) repeal of net neutrality last year, which allows ISPs to now pick and choose what content consumers see online, increase prices and push packages that favor certain content and information.[3]

Jones has continually fought to expand access to free and open internet for North Country consumers and small businesses. Jones has been pushing for greater state investment in efforts to build out broadband coverage.[4] He also helped pass a state budget this year that includes $200,000 for the Older Adults Technology Services, Inc. (OATS), which provides training to seniors about new computer technology to help them connect with their loved ones and access information and resources.
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[1] news.northeastern.edu/2018/09/10/new-research-shows-your-internet-provider-is-in-control

[2] latimes.com/business/la-fi-net-neutrality-fast-lanes-20171213-story.html

[3] nytimes.com/2018/06/11/technology/net-neutrality-repeal.html

[4] adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/local-news/2019/02/lawmakers-urge-state-to-fix-gaps-in-broadband