VenusGaming

I know, a lot of times we US gamers feel alone in the dark when it comes to what goes on up on Capitol Hill and what we can do to change it - particularly when it comes to things that affect our gaming. But the time for change is now, folks. With a new administration, things are already well underway in Congress.

One of those items that’s hot right now is President Obama’s economic stimulus package - and guess what? It gives us techies and gamers a little bonus: a push in the direction of universal broadband (that is, making sure broadband reaches all areas of the States, including rural and underdeveloped areas) and net neutrality (allowing the access of the Internet without restrictions on content, methods of connection, or communication that takes place).

Come on, which one of you doesn’t want faster, better Internet and a guaranteed freedom of access?

To that end, the ECA (Entertainment Consumers Association) has provided a web form (accessible here) which you can use to appeal quickly to your local representatives to ask them to support this stimulus package. The form letter reads thusly:

As your constituent and a video game player, I ask you to support the economic stimulus bill, particularly the $2.8 billion set aside for Internet development grants. This money is critically important to both building the national information infrastructure as well as ensuring that this infrastructure is open to all by promoting Universal Broadband and Net Neutrality.

As a video game player, I have personally witnessed the advantages offered by a fast and reliable Internet connection, and believe that every American should have fast and reliable access to the Internet. I also believe that the speed of that connection should not fluctuate based on where someone lives, how they access, nor how they use, the connection. The grants proposed in the stimulus package would help make sure that all Americans have a reliable, open, high-speed Internet connection.

As you know, America is facing difficult economic times; however, the stimulus package should not only look to solve the problems presently faced by our country, but help insure that America is in a position to continue to compete now and in the future. It is clear that the Internet will play a large role in the future of the global economy, but America is lagging behind in our information infrastructure. The proposed $2.8 billion dollars in the stimulus package will help build an open and fast infrastructure in parts of the country that most need access.

The bill will also direct the FCC to define a national broadband policy that is on an “open access basis.” This will help foster innovation by insuring all parties are able to access the Internet, and that companies that provide the connections cannot discriminate against competing service providers. It will also insure that I will remain free to enjoy my video games without service providers arbitrarily and unfairly singling out video game players for slower connections or higher costs.

Help America get online and compete in the global economy by supporting the stimulus package. If you have any questions on this issue please contact Jennifer Mercurio, the Entertainment Consumers Association’s Director of Government Affairs, at jenn@theeca.com.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Go on. Speak up. Let your voice be heard.