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Dear NY Unity@Verizon member,
We need faster connections in our homes, schools, hospitals, and workplaces to keep up in the rapidly developing global economy. But in New York, and throughout the United States, we are falling behind in connection speeds and high speed internet access. Over the past few months, people across the country have tested their internet speeds at SpeedMatters.org. Tens of thousands of speed tests have helped us show legislators and policymakers just how far we lag behind other industrialized nations. It's time for that to change -- and you can play an important
part. Test your own internet speed now: http://www.speedmatters.org/nytest New York now has a terrific opportunity to lead the nation in closing the digital divide with the Telecommunications Reform Act. This bill would help bring high speed internet to all New Yorkers, especially those in underserved rural and lower-income areas. It would break the cable monopoly, improving service and pricing for all of us by fostering competition among internet and cable providers. Already this bill has received tremendous support from community and consumer groups throughout the state and from New Yorkers like you, but it will be an uphill battle to get the bill passed. The first step online is assessing where we are now and showing the need for reform. You can help us by testing your speed now: http://www.speedmatters.org/nytest High speed internet means more than smooth web videos or fast downloads. It increases democratic and civic participation and improves health care, education, job training, public safety and other vital services. If we don't more forward by getting high speed internet in all of New York, we will lose tens of thousands of jobs. Over the next few weeks, look for more opportunities to help us pressure lawmakers to help us close the digital divide in New York. Thanks for your help.
Pete Sikora |
