Verizon – Free and Open Internet
WHEREAS
The Internet has become a defining infrastructure of our economy and society; Internet Service Providers like Verizon forge rules that shape, enable and limit Internet use.
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Chairman Genachowski recently noted that a free and open Internet is an “unprecedented platform for speech, democratic engagement, and a culture that prizes creative new ways of approaching old problems.” A free and open Internet, he said, demands Americans’ attention because the Internet must play a critical role in solving the “great challenges [we face] as a nation right now, including health care, education, energy, and public safety.” He asserted: “We have an obligation to ensure that the Internet is an enduring engine for U.S. economic growth, and a foundation for democracy in the 21st century.”
These issues have attracted considerable public interest since at least 2005 when the FCC first articulated open Internet principles and may present financial risk to the company.
The widespread interest in a free and open Internet (so-called “net neutrality”) is echoed by recent letters from hundreds of organizations including the American Library Association, Writers Guild of America, West, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and Consumer Federation of America. As a letter from minority advocates put it, applications of net neutrality principles “to wireline and wireless networks are essential for extending the proven benefits of the Internet to poor people and people of color.”
Hundreds of federal and state legislators have written to the FCC on these issues. Congress is now considering the Internet Freedom Preservation Act and the Internet Freedom Act. The FCC is also considering a proposed rule.
Verizon’s opposition to the FCC’s proposed rule-making was formulated and announced even before the proposed changes were made public in October 2009. One day earlier, Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg told an industry convention it would be a “mistake, pure and simple” for the FCC to impose a “burdensome regime” of regulation on the Internet. In contrast, the CEO of Qwest Communications, speaking one week after the FCC announcement, told Wall Street analysts that Qwest is not concerned with the issue and believes the rules which might be put in place will be adequate.
The Washington Post and OpenSecrets.org report that Verizon is among the most active lobbyists on these issues.
We believe independent members of the Board should give the Company’s position on this issue a second look to insure that the Company is adequately considering its social obligations as well as the risks and opportunities presented by this issue.
RESOLVED
Shareholders request a committee of independent directors publish a report, by August 2010 at reasonable cost and excluding confidential information, re-examining our Company’s policy position and discussing how the Company could address the challenges presented by the free and open Internet issue in the context of Verizon’s corporate social responsibility, its reputation, and the impact of the company’s policies on customers, communities, and society.
AT&T – Free and Open Internet
WHEREAS
The Internet has become a defining infrastructure of our economy and society; Internet Service Providers like AT&T forge rules that shape, enable and limit Internet use.
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Chairman Genachowski recently noted that a free and open Internet is an “unprecedented platform for speech, democratic engagement, and a culture that prizes creative new ways of approaching old problems.” A free and open Internet, he said, demands Americans’ attention because the Internet must play a critical role in solving the “great challenges [we face] as a nation right now, including health care, education, energy, and public safety.” He asserted: “We have an obligation to ensure that the Internet is an enduring engine for U.S. economic growth, and a foundation for democracy in the 21st century.”
These issues have attracted considerable public interest since at least 2005 when the FCC first articulated open Internet principles and may present financial risk to the company.
The widespread interest in a free and open Internet (so-called “net neutrality”) is echoed by recent letters from hundreds of organizations including the American Library Association, Writers Guild of America, West, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and Consumer Federation of America. As a letter from minority advocates put it, applications of net neutrality principles “to wireline and wireless networks are essential for extending the proven benefits of the Internet to poor people and people of color.”
Hundreds of federal and state legislators have written to the FCC on these issues. Congress is now considering the Internet Freedom Preservation Act and the Internet Freedom Act. The FCC is also considering a proposed rule.
In October 2009, AT&T’s Senior Executive Vice President – External and Legislative Affairs wrote to all U.S. based managers. After rightly noting the importance of the Internet for economic and job growth, he encouraged them and their families and friends to write to the FCC and urge “the FCC not to regulate the Internet.” In contrast, Qwest’s CEO has told Wall Street analysts that Qwest is not concerned with the issue and believes the rules which might be put in place will be adequate.
The Washington Post and OpenSecrets.org report that AT&T is the most active lobbyist on these issues.
AT&T’s Board has a Public Policy Committee authorized “to review the corporate policies and practices in furtherance of AT&T’s corporate social responsibility, including public policy issues affecting AT&T, its shareholders, employees, customers and the communities in which it operates; to determine how Company practices impact public expectations; and to provide guidance and perspective to the Board and management on these issues.”
RESOLVED
Shareholders request the Public Policy Committee publish a report, by August 2010 at reasonable cost and excluding confidential information, re-examining our Company’s policy position and discussing how the company could address the challenges presented by the free and open Internet issue in the context of AT&T’s corporate social responsibility, its reputation, and the impact of the company’s policies on customers, communities, and society.
Verizon – Internet Censorship
WHEREAS
The Internet is becoming the defining infrastructure of our economy and society in the 21st century. Its potential to open markets for commerce, venues for cultural expression and modalities of civic engagement is without historic parallel.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are gatekeepers to this infrastructure: providing access, managing traffic, insuring communication, and forging rules that shape, enable and limit the public’s Internet use.
As such, ISPs have a weighty responsibility in devising network management practices. ISPs must give far-ranging thought to how these practices serve to promote–or inhibit–the public’s participation in the economy and in civil society.
Of fundamental concern is the effect ISPs’ network management practices have on public expectations of privacy and freedom of expression on the Internet.
- More than 211 million Americans–70% of the population–use the Internet;
- The Internet serves as an engine of opportunity for social, cultural and civic participation in society;
- 46% of Americans have used the internet, e-mail or text messaging to participate in the 2008 political process;
- The Internet yields significant economic benefits to society, with online U.S. retailing revenues – only one gauge of e-commerce – exceeding $200 billion in 2008;
- The Internet plays a critical role in addressing societal challenges such as provision of health care, with over 8 million Americans looking for health information online daily;
- 72% of Americans are concerned that their online behaviors are being tracked and profiled by companies;
- 53% of Americans are uncomfortable with companies using their email content or browsing history to send relevant ads;
- 54% of Americans are uncomfortable with third parties collecting information about their online behavior;
- Our Company provides Internet access to a very large number of subscribers and is considered a leading ISP;
- Our Company’s network management practices have come under public scrutiny by consumer and civil liberties groups, regulatory authorities and shareholders.
- Class action lawsuits in several states are challenging the propriety of ISPs’ network management practices;
- Internet network management is a significant public policy issue; failure to fully and publicly address this issue poses potential competitive, legal and reputational harm to our Company;
- Any perceived compromise by ISPs of public expectations of privacy and freedom of expression on the Internet could have a chilling effect on the use of the Internet and detrimental effects on society.
RESOLVED
Shareholders request the board issue a report by October 2009, excluding proprietary and confidential information, examining the effects of the company’s Internet network management practices in the context of the significant public policy concerns regarding the public’s expectations of privacy and freedom of expression on the Internet.
SUPPORTING STATEMENT
One example of an issue to be examined could be the social and political effects of collecting and selling personal information to third-parties, including information companies such as First Advantage and Equifax.
Comcast – Free & Open Internet
WHEREAS
The Internet is becoming the defining infrastructure of our economy and society in the 21st century. Its potential to open new markets for commerce, new venues for cultural expression and new modalities of civic engagement is without historic parallel.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) serve as gatekeepers to this infrastructure: providing access, managing traffic, insuring communication, and forging rules that shape, enable and limit the public’s use of the Internet.
As such, ISPs have a weighty responsibility in devising network management practices. ISPs must give far-ranging thought to how these practices serve to promote–or inhibit–the public’s participation in the economy and in civil society.
Of fundamental concern is the effect ISPs’ network management practices have on public expectations of privacy and freedom of expression on the Internet.
- More than 211 million Americans–70% of the U.S. population–now use the Internet;
- The Internet serves as an engine of opportunity for social, cultural and civic participation in society;
- 46% of Americans report they have used the internet, e-mail or text messaging to participate in the 2008 political process;
- The Internet yields significant economic benefits to society, with online US retailing revenues – only one gauge of e-commerce – exceeding $200 billion in 2008;
- The Internet plays a critical role in addressing societal challenges such as provision of health care, with over 8 million Americans looking for health information online each day;
- 72% of Americans are concerned that their online behaviors are being tracked and profiled by companies;
- 53% of Americans are uncomfortable with companies using their email content or browsing history to send relevant ads;
- 54% of Americans are uncomfortable with third parties collecting information about their online behavior;
- Our Company provides Internet access to a very large number of subscribers and is considered a leading ISP;
- Our Company’s network management practices have come under public scrutiny by consumer and civil liberties groups, regulatory authorities and shareholders.
- Class action lawsuits in several states are challenging the propriety of ISPs’ network management practices;
- Internet network management is a significant public policy issue; failure to fully and publicly address this issue poses potential competitive, legal and reputational harm to our Company;
- Any perceived compromise by ISPs of public expectations of privacy and freedom of expression on the Internet could have a chilling effect on the use of the Internet and detrimental effects on society.
RESOLVED
The shareholders request that the Board of Directors prepare a report, excluding proprietary and confidential information, and to be made available to shareholders no later than November 30,2009, examining the effects of the company’s Internet network management practices in the context of the significant public policy concerns regarding the public’s expectations of privacy and freedom of expression on the Internet.
CenturyTel – Free & Open Internet
WHEREAS
The Internet is becoming the defining infrastructure of our economy and society in the 21st century. Its potential to open new markets for commerce, new venues for cultural expression and new modalities of civic engagement is without historic parallel.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) serve as gatekeepers to this infrastructure: providing access, managing traffic, insuring communication, and forging rules that shape, enable and limit the public’s use of the Internet.
As such, ISPs have a weighty responsibility in devising network management practices. ISPs must give far-ranging thought to how these practices serve to promote–or inhibit–the public’s participation in the economy and in civil society.
Of fundamental concern is the effect ISPs’ network management practices have on public expectations of privacy and freedom of expression on the Internet.
- More than 211 million Americans–70% of the U.S. population–now use the Internet;
- The Internet serves as an engine of opportunity for social, cultural and civic participation in society;
- 46% of Americans report they have used the internet, e-mail or text messaging to participate in the 2008 political process;
- The Internet yields significant economic benefits to society, with online US retailing revenues – only one gauge of e-commerce – exceeding $200 billion in 2008;
- The Internet plays a critical role in addressing societal challenges such as provision of health care, with over 8 million Americans looking for health information online each day;
- 72% of Americans are concerned that their online behaviors are being tracked and profiled by companies;
- 53% of Americans are uncomfortable with companies using their email content or browsing history to send relevant ads;
- 54% of Americans are uncomfortable with third parties collecting information about their online behavior;
- Our Company provides Internet access to a very large number of subscribers and is considered a leading ISP;
- Our Company’s network management practices have come under public scrutiny by consumer and civil liberties groups, regulatory authorities and shareholders.
- Class action lawsuits in several states are challenging the propriety of ISPs’ network management practices;
- Internet network management is a significant public policy issue; failure to fully and publicly address this issue poses potential competitive, legal and reputational harm to our Company;
- Any perceived compromise by ISPs of public expectations of privacy and freedom of expression on the Internet could have a chilling effect on the use of the Internet and detrimental effects on society.
RESOLVED
The shareholders request that the Board of Directors prepare a report, excluding proprietary and confidential information, and to be made available to shareholders no later than November 30, 2009, examining the effects of the company’s Internet network management practices in the context of the significant public policy concerns regarding the public’s expectations of privacy and freedom of expression on the Internet.
AT&T – Free & Open Internet
WHEREAS
The Internet is becoming the defining infrastructure of our economy and society in the 21st century. Its potential to open markets for commerce, venues for cultural expression and modalities of civic engagement is without historic parallel.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are gatekeepers to this infrastructure: providing access, managing traffic, insuring communication, and forging rules that shape, enable and limit the public’s Internet use.
As such, ISPs have a weighty responsibility in devising network management practices. ISPs must give far-ranging thought to how these practices serve to promote–or inhibit–the public’s participation in the economy and in civil society.
Of fundamental concern is the effect ISPs’ network management practices have on public expectations of privacy and freedom of expression on the Internet.
- More than 211 million Americans–70% of the population–use the Internet;
- The Internet serves as an engine of opportunity for social, cultural and civic participation in society;
- 46% of Americans have used the internet, e-mail or text messaging to participate in the 2008 political process;
- The Internet yields significant economic benefits to society, with online U.S. retailing revenues – only one gauge of e-commerce – exceeding $200 billion in 2008;
- The Internet plays a critical role in addressing societal challenges such as provision of health care, with over 8 million Americans looking for health information online daily;
- 72% of Americans are concerned that their online behaviors are being tracked and profiled by companies;
- 54% of Americans are uncomfortable with third parties collecting information about their online behavior;
- Our Company provides Internet access to a very large number of subscribers and is considered a leading ISP;
- Our Company’s network management practices have been questioned by consumers, civil liberties groups and shareholders; specifically, AT&T was scrutinized for censoring political speech; was the focus of a BusinessWeek story discussing content monitoring; and was called before Congress to testify on these issues;
- Class action lawsuits in several states are challenging the propriety of ISPs’ network management practices;
- Internet network management is a significant public policy issue; failure to fully and publicly address this issue poses potential competitive, legal and reputational harm to our Company;
- Any perceived compromise by ISPs of public expectations of privacy and freedom of expression on the Internet could have a chilling effect on the use of the Internet and detrimental effects on society.
RESOLVED
The shareholders request the board issue a report by October 2009, excluding proprietary and confidential information, examining the effects of the company’s Internet network management practices in the context of the significant public policy concerns regarding the public’s expectations of privacy and freedom of expression on the Internet.
SUPPORTING STATEMENT
One example of an issue to be examined could be the social and political effects of collecting and selling personal information to third-parties, including information companies such as First Advantage and Equifax.
Open MIC, founded by Trillium, files shareholder resolutions with 10 Internet Service Providers
Professor Jeffery Rosen recently wrote in the New York Times, “As more and more speech migrates online, to blogs and social-networking sites and the like, the ultimate power to decide who has an opportunity to be heard, and what we may say, lies increasingly with Internet service providers, search engines and other Internet companies…”
Members of a coalition of investors, lead by Trillium, have filed shareholder resolutions with 10 publicly-held U.S. providers of Internet access, urging corporate boards to report on the impact of the companies’ Internet network management practices on public expectations of freedom of expression and privacy.
The investor coalition includes the New York City Pension Funds and socially responsible investment firms Boston Common Asset Management, Calvert Asset Management Company, Domini Social Investments, Harrington Investments and As You Sow.
Open MIC ISP Press Release 01-28-09
Open MIC Internet Project Briefing December, 2008
