To Save the Internet We Must Own the Networks
In October FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced, ““We’ve been energetic in advancing the public interest…over the past nine months…” Energetic? You bet. In the public interest? Not on your life.… Read More
Repealing Net Neutrality Puts 177 Million Americans at Risk
This Thursday, December 14th, the FCC plans to remove network neutrality protections. Republican Commissioners and Chairman Ajit Pai justify the decision by claiming that the market will naturally protect subscribers from predatory big ISP behavior. Unfortunately, the FCC’s own numbers disprove their theory. We dug into the data that reveals how 177 million Americans will be left without any market protection following net neutrality repeal.… Read More
Anti-Municipal Broadband Bill In Michigan Pulls No Punches
Torpedo legislation aimed at municipal network initiatives don’t usually appear in October, but Michigan’s year-round legislature is making 2017 atypical. Last week, Freshman Representative Michele Hoitenga from the rural village of Manton in Wexford County introduced a bill banning investment in municipal networks. HB 5099 is short; it decrees that local communities cannot use federal, state, or … Read More
The Public Good: Reports from the Front Lines
A selection of recent news stories with an ILSR insight into “The Public Good.” Separate and Unequal, Again In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a 58 year-old decision upholding the right of states to have segregated school systems. “Separate but equal” it ruled, was inherently unequal. Sixty-three years later de jure segregation is illegal, but de … Read More
8 Policy Strategies Cities Can Use to Support Local Businesses
Independent businesses are among the best engines that cities have for advancing economic opportunity. But they’re disappearing in many places. This isn’t, in large part, because these businesses aren’t competitive. It’s because misguided public policy and concentrated market power are working against them. In this policy brief, we present 8 ways that cities can level the playing field and ensure that local businesses have the opportunity to start, grow, and thrive.… Read More
The Broadband Market is Broken: Don’t Fall for Telecom Lobbyist Lies
We’ve all been lied to, but when we’re lied to by those we rely on, it’s the worst. Right now, we are all subject to a lie about our Internet access. That lie is rooted in the idea that the best way to move forward is to allow the free market to dictate our access to the Internet, along with the quality of services, privacy protections, and competition.… Read More
Amazon Is Trying to Control the Underlying Infrastructure of Our Economy
In this op-ed for Motherboard, we look at how Amazon is trying to control the underlying infrastructure of our economy. We also examine how buying Whole Foods would expand Amazon’s control of commerce — and why regulators should block it.… Read More
Press Release: Regulators Should Block Amazon’s Acquisition of Whole Foods
In response to Amazon’s announced acquisition of Whole Foods, Stacy Mitchell, co-director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) and co-author of Amazon’s Stranglehold, made the following statement:
“Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods raises significant anti-competitive issues that should be deeply concerning to federal antitrust regulators and the public. This deal would allow Amazon to leverage the Whole Foods chain in ways that would expand its monopoly power in online commerce, including by integrating these locations into its rapidly growing logistics and delivery network….… Read More
Make Every Day Earth Day Through Composting
“The Nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1937 With almost 30% of U.S. cropland eroding above soil tolerance levels – meaning the long-term ability of the soil to sustain plant … Read More