Why Women Need Net Neutrality

As a member of the Federal Communications Commission, Jessica Rosenworcel is charged with regulating the nation’s radio, television, and phone industries. That means, she makes the rules that govern everything from your WIFI access to your wireless service. “Being able to see what's happening first in technology is extraordinary,” she says. “I feel like I've got a front row seat at the digital revolution, and every day I'm in awe at how new technologies are changing every aspect of social and commercial life.”

On net neutrality: “Women know a thing or two about gatekeepers and an open Internet has been extraordinary for them,” said Commissioner Rosenworcel. “It's been a tool for organizing political action. It's been a platform for building businesses — many small businesses are owned by women and they extend their reach when they can put their services and wares online.” But FCC voted to repeal the rules, and Commissioner Rosenworcel was on the losing side of the vote. There’s a silver lining, though. In Rosenworcel’s eyes, the debate over net neutrality “awoke a sleeping giant.” She says, “The American public is paying attention to what's happening in Washington, what's happening at the FCC. They're not happy that this little agency decided that it's okay for broadband providers to block websites, to throttle online services, and to censor content. And they are pushing back.” Whether it’s through the court or the ballot box, she believes momentum is growing to reverse the FCC’s decision and preserve the old policy. “It leaves me enthusiastic and it leaves me believing that an open Internet and the choice to pursue policies that support it puts me on the right side of history.”