SR1117 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1117 LRB100 15867 ALS 31015 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, High-speed Internet access service, referred to generically as "broadband advanced communication services," including both wired and wireless technologies, is essential in the 21st century for economic competitiveness and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Broadband infrastructure is vital to the operation and management of other critical infrastructures, including energy generation systems, the power grid, water supply systems, smart cities, the Internet of Things, public safety and emergency response systems, medical facilities, educational institutions, and libraries; and

WHEREAS, Studies confirm that the use of broadband advanced communication services increases economic productivity, public and private organizational operation efficiency, and enhanced business profitability; and

WHEREAS, The provision and maintenance of equitable access to technology, broadband Internet access services, digital content, and classroom management tools are necessary for all students, teachers, and school administrators in Illinois, including those in rural and other unserved and underserved areas, in order to provide equal educational resources to all students at all education levels; and

WHEREAS, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted open Internet rules on February 26, 2015, to protect free expression and innovation on the Internet and to promote investment in the nation's broadband networks; and

WHEREAS, The open Internet rules ensure that consumers and businesses have access to a fast, fair, and open Internet by imposing three bright-line rules; first, broadband providers shall not block access to lawful content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices; second, broadband providers shall not impair or degrade lawful Internet traffic on the basis of content, application, or service, or use of a non-harmful device; third, broadband providers shall not favor some lawful Internet traffic over other lawful Internet traffic in exchange for consideration of any kind; and

WHEREAS, Because the Internet must be a place in which companies, large and small, as well as individual developers, can compete on a level playing field, the State of Illinois supports net neutrality as a principle that underpins a fast, fair, and open Internet for consumers and businesses to ensure equal access to lawful content by prohibiting paid prioritization, throttling, and blocking; and

WHEREAS, Businesses may have to pay a toll just to reach customers; this would put small and medium-sized businesses at a disadvantage and prevent innovative new ones from even getting off of the ground; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we strongly support each of the above positions, view them as high priorities for Illinois and the country, and oppose any federal efforts to rescind or block them; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we respectfully urge the President of the United States and Members of the United States Congress to continue to protect net neutrality and open Internet access; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the President and Vice President of the United States, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate, the Speaker and Minority Leaders of the United States House of Representatives, and all members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation.