Writing a letter to Governor Corzine
This is revised letter to Governor Corzine (version 1.2) revised 6/7, thanks for the feedback.
Dear Governor Corzine, as a software engineer and avid technologist, I am deeply concerned about Verizon's intentions to restrict internet access for New Jersey residents. Verizon wishes to be the de facto gatekeeper on the internet, determining which content travels at what speed for the portion of its journey that travels over Verizon's wires. Verizon's plans violate the tenets of Network Neutrality that have fueled growth and enabled healthy competition on the internet. I fear that their plans will limit the choices for New Jersey internet users and could put New Jersey businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
Since Verizon also plans to use the internet connections they provide to also offer cable television service, it is appropriate that their plans for both internet access and cable access be considered before passing new statewide cable TV legislation. I am asking you to ask Verizon clear-cut questions about their business roadmap for offering internet access to their customer base, and whether their plans include limiting internet access based on the type of content delivered, or based on relationships they have with certain content providers. For the sake of New Jersey's online businesses and consumers alike, please consider how Verizon's actions may negatively impact the obvious advantages of the present free market, before signing new cable TV legislation into law.
Sincerely yours,
older version below
Dear Governor Corzine, as a software engineer and avid technologist, I am deeply concerned about Verizon’s latest intentions with respect to internet access for New Jersey residents. Verizon desires to act as a de facto gatekeeper on the internet; determining which content travels at what speed for the portion of its journey that travels over Verizon’s wires. Verizon’s plans violate the tenets of Network Neutrality that have fueled growth and competition on the internet. I fear that their plans will limit choice for New Jersey internet users and could put New Jersey businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
Since Verizon plans to use the internet connections they provide to also offer cable television service, it is appropriate that their plans for both internet access and cable access be considered before passing new statewide cable TV legislation.
I am asking you to inquire with Verizon about their plans for their portion of the internet and to consider their answers and how they pertain to free market competition when you decide upon signing new cable TV legislation into law.
Sincerely yours,
Tom
Red Bank, NJ
