For Release Oct. 3, 2007
Public Knowledge President Gigi B. Sohn that Congress should examine a spate of recent actions by telephone and cable companies that raise issues of censorship and other anti-consumer activities.
“Congressional oversight would be very welcome at a time when the telephone and cable industries are asking Congress and the Federal Communications Commission for policies that would benefit them greatly,” Sohn said. “We commend the Open Internet Coalition for asking for hearings, and we hope that Congress will act accordingly.
“Congress should examine what policy Verizon used to stop NARAL from sending text messages, and what policy AT&T had in place to censor a Pearl Jam concert, what policy Verizon and AT&T have in place to limit criticism of their companies through terms of service agreements, and what policy Comcast has to limit customer downloads without a customer's knowledge. These are the abuses we know about. Congressional hearings could bring more to light.”
The text of the letter and other information is here
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.