Net Neutrality vs Internet Fast Lanes in NY - AARP Lays out What's at Stake for State's Adults

Assoc. Warns Fast Lanes Leave Older New Yorkers at Disadvantage; Urges FCC to Keep Internet Fair & Equal

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Jul 28, 2014, 01:45 ET

NEW YORK, July 28, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Internet fast lanes" for a fee could leave older New Yorkers in the dust online, warns AARP, as the Federal Communications Commission begins analyzing the more than one million comments filed over the proposal. AARP is weighing in on the debate over Net Neutrality, laying out the potential negative effect "fast lanes" would have on New Yorkers 50+.

The proposal before the FCC to allow Internet providers to request more in payment for faster transmission of Internet content would disadvantage many household Internet users across the state and nation. In comments filed with the FCC last week, AARP said that abandoning net neutrality in favor of Internet fast lanes would jeopardize future innovation and core consumer protections.

In New York, 96 percent of adults access the Internet, with 70 percent using the Internet or email several times a day, according to a recent AARP survey studying the online behavior. Forty-six percent spend between one and three hours online, while 21 percent spend between three and six hours online. Thirteen percent reported spending six to ten hours online.

The survey finds what adult New Yorkers do online is the exact type of behavior that will be impacted by the "fast lanes" and by changes to net neutrality. Sixty-three percent of New York adults reported watching videos on video sharing sites, 67 percent visit and/or engage on social media sites, and 45 percent download music files.

"Access to the Internet should be equal and fair for all New Yorkers," said Beth Finkel, State Director for AARP in New York. "Allowing the creation of "fast lanes" for companies that pay more and "slow lanes" for everyone else could lead to higher prices and fewer choices in online content as the companies pass along the premiums to consumers."

Under the fast lane alternative, areas such as home automation, medical monitoring, and other services that support aging in place would be less competitive. The rules could change the way the average consumer accesses, creates, or shares online content such as movies, web pages, music, and pictures.

In the comments filed with the FCC, AARP also noted that "the widespread availability of high quality and affordable broadband connections…is enabling new applications and services that are enhancing older American's quality of life, including new methods of delivering healthcare and support for independent living. Policies to promote a vibrant and competitive Internet ecosystem are essential for the continuation of this success."

AARP is advocating for the reclassification of broadband service from a Title I service under the Communications Act to a Title II telecommunications service, in order to preserve a system of open access, facilitate broadband adoption and encourage innovation.

The full text of AARP's filing with the FCC is available on the AARP website. AARP's response to Net Neutrality.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

SOURCE AARP New York