Ask Gov. Rendell to Veto Bill 30: Make Philly a Wireless City

I called this morning and asked the Governor to Veto Bill 30. The system is quite easy - it says "If you're calling about Bill 30, Press 1." Then it asks you to leave your name and a message. I said I would like broadband internet access to be available for all people and I urge Governor Rendell to veto Bill 30. Please call this morning if you can. The background is below.

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Dear MoveOn member in Pennsylvania,

Tomorrow, Governor Rendell will decide between universal, affordable Internet for Pennsylvania or media monopoly for Verizon. Ask him to make the right choice by calling today:

Governor Ed Rendell
(717) 787-2500

Earlier this fall, Philadelphia became one of the first major U.S.
cities to propose making Internet access available cheaply - or free
- to citizens, businesses, educational institutions and nonprofits using "Community Wireless" technology.

In response, Verizon and its high-priced lobbyists pushed a bill through the Pennsylvania legislature that would sink this plan and any other like it proposed by any town across the state. They're trying to cement their monopoly rather than offering cheaper, better Internet.

Only Gov. Rendell can stop this bill - and the clock is ticking - he must veto or sign it by Tuesday.

Don't allow powerful lobbies to get a monopoly on the Internet, too. Call Governor Rendell right now at (717) 787-2500. As always, your call will be taken more seriously if you are polite. Here's what to
say:

Please veto House Bill 30. We cannot let powerful corporate lobbies set up a monopoly over Internet access. Initiatives like Philadelphia's wireless plan are crucial because the Internet must be equally available to all, not just as a luxury. Thank you for your time.

Please let us know you're calling, at: http://www.moveon.org/callmade12.html

House Bill 30 would make it illegal for any town in Pennsylvania that is being served poorly by big Internet providers to supply their own cheaper, better service. The bill is strongly opposed by Philadelphia city officials, who say it would be "terrible for cities around the country, because if the telecommunications companies can stop it here in Pennsylvania, they'll probably be able to stop it anywhere."

Thanks for everything you do.

Sincerely,

-Noah T. Winer
MoveOn.org and Pennsylvania resident
Monday, November 29th, 2004

P.S. You can read the AP story on this battle at: http://www.freepress.net/news/5530