California's Public Utilities Commission is nationally influential due to the size of the State of California, and its reputation as a national thought leader.

The CPUC will be voting on October 16th to take a formal position in the net neutrality debate. As a regulator of every major telecom in the country, the PUC's position will have an impact on the decision making process at the Federal Communications Commission.

The 5 CPUC Commissioners can take a strong position for Title II reclassification - real net neutrality - and say in no uncertain terms the public interest is served by reclassifying broadband as a common carrier service and regulating it as the essential 21st century utility that it is.

The weaker alternatives suggested by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, among others, won't give the Commission the power it needs to permanently prevent slow and fast lanes on the Internet, prevent blocking and throttling and maintain an even playing field on the Internet for all.

The vote looks to be close, so public support will be critical.

Send a note to all five California Public Utilities Commissioners now!