SEATTLE — — Sen. Maria Cantwell says proponents of net neutrality need to be “loud, just like the Seahawks fans” in the run-up to an expected federal decision on the issue.
The Democrat was in Seattle’s Pioneer Square on Monday for a round table discussion with leaders of the area’s technology economy. In November President Barack Obama called for the Federal Communications Commission to reclassify Internet access as a utility. That would mean Internet companies couldn’t charge content providers for faster access.
Cantwell said it’s crucial that the FCC preserve net neutrality. She said round table participants told her if different fees were charged for Internet access it would have a chilling effect on local technology investment, which would slow the growth of the sector in the region.
“They are saying it’s an all-around negative for the Internet,” Cantwell said.
Among those taking part in Cantwell’s forum were Sarah Bird, CEO of Moz, Ben Huh, CEO of Cheezburger Inc., and Michael Schutzler, head of the Washington Technology Industry Association.
