It’s an online solution that matters more than any mere petition. Go straight to the FCC and file a complaint. I just did it: you can too.



Here’s how.



(1) Go to this URL: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express



You’ll get a form that looks like this:



(2) Type this number in the top box: 17-108

This brings up the docket number that you’re complaining about, the “Restoring Internet Freedom Act”. (If you don’t already know that this act is about killing net neutrality, and doesn’t restore any freedoms except for big companies to effectively split the Internet up among them and charge you more to use it – not to mention making it harder, if not impossible, to see independent websites or ones that aren’t part of corporate platforms – well, those are the essentials. The FCC is getting ready to submit this proposal to Congrees, and once there in its present form, the Republicans will happily pass it and the Net as we know it will be royally screwed, a dead system walking.)

Anyway, where were we? Once that docket number has settled into place, go down to the next box and type in your name. Make sure to hit the carriage return once your name’s in so that it registers properly. (I’ve redacted some stuff in the above image, as well as my own statement, which I hope will raise a blister or two, but which you don’t need to see.)



Go to the boxes below and type in your address and email address. Note that (as the form tells you) since you’re making a public complaint, your address will be part of the public record and accessible on the Internet if someone wants to go looking for it. if this is a problem for you, obviously this is where you stop and shut down the window, and call your senators and congressperson instead.



Otherwise, continue to fill out the form. In the comments box, say something clear along the lines of “I support net neutrality and do not support the proposed changes to the present law”.



After that: If you want a confirmation of your submission by email, check the box that specifies that. Once you’re done with the form, hit the blue button that says “continue to review screen”.

You’ll see your info and your comment again. Look them over, and if everything’s OK, hit the “submit” button and you’re done. (You can use either their back button or your browser’s if you want to change something.) Once submitted, a second or so later your confirmation will be in your email box if you asked for one.



That’s all you have to do. Please take a moment to do this if you can, as the effects on the internet if this thing gets through will be far-ranging, ugly, and expensive for you. Make your voice heard, and do it before Wednesday, when the FCC sits down to start making this thing law.



Also: please reblog this far and wide. Help get the news out to those who’ll complain, even if you don’t want to or can’t do it yourself.



Thanks, all!

