MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Net neutrality protests target Washington Verizon stores

Dec 6, 2017, 12:00 PM | Updated: 1:29 pm

Supporter of net neutrality protests outside a Federal Building in Los Angeles, California on November 28, 2017. The activists gathered in protest of the Federal Communications Commission Chairman, Ajit Pai's, plan to repeal the Obama era net neutrality regulations. (Photo by: Ronen Tivony) (Photo by Ronen Tivony/NurPhoto/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images) This June 19, 2015, file photo, shows the Federal Communications Commission building in Washington. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai is following through on his pledge to repeal 2015 regulations designed to ensure that internet service providers treat all online content and apps equally. Pai distributed his alternative plan to the net neutrality rules to other FCC commissioners Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017, in preparation for a Dec. 14 vote on the proposal. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) Supporters of net neutrality protest outside a Federal Building in Los Angeles, California on November 28, 2017. The activists gathered in protest of the Federal Communications Commission Chairman, Ajit Pai's, plan to repeal the Obama era net neutrality regulations. (Photo by: Ronen Tivony) (Photo by Ronen Tivony/NurPhoto/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images) 
              FILE - In this Feb. 26, 2015, file photo, Federal Communication Commission Commissioner Ajit Pai speaks during an open hearing and vote on "Net Neutrality" in Washington. In its push to undo Obama-era “net neutrality” rules, the country’s Republican-led telecom regulator has defended its proposal with some statements that are incomplete or misleading. But a Democratic official in favor of net neutrality also criticized FCC Chairman Pai in a way that left out crucial context. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)
            Supporters of net neutrality protest outside a Federal Building in Los Angeles, California on November 28, 2017. The activists gathered in protest of the Federal Communications Commission Chairman, Ajit Pai's, plan to repeal the Obama era net neutrality regulations. (Photo by: Ronen Tivony) (Photo by Ronen Tivony/NurPhoto/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images) Supporters of net neutrality protest the Federal Communications Commission Chairman, Ajit Pai's, plan to repeal the Obama era net neutrality regulations. Los Angeles, California on November 28, 2017.(Photo by: Ronen Tivony) (Photo by Ronen Tivony/NurPhoto/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images) Supporters of net neutrality protest outside a Federal Building in Los Angeles, California on November 28, 2017. The activists gathered in protest of the Federal Communications Commission Chairman, Ajit Pai's, plan to repeal the Obama era net neutrality regulations. (Photo by: Ronen Tivony) (Photo by Ronen Tivony/NurPhoto/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images) Protests at Verizon stores across the United States have been organized in opposition to the FCC's intention to kill net neutrality. (AP) Protests at Verizon stores across the United States have been organized in opposition to the FCC's intention to kill net neutrality. (AP)

Verizon stores across Washington state will face crowds of protesters on the same day as the fate of net neutrality hangs in limbo.

The Federal Communications Commission will vote on Dec. 14 on a plan to remove America’s net neutrality policy — it is expected to pass. Before that vote, protests have been organized in every state throughout the nation, including 19 demonstrations at Verizon stores in Washington.

RELATED: Why tech workers save more money in Seattle than elsewhere

It is unclear how popular the protests will be. One demonstration in Olympia has a Facebook event with more than 200 people interested in taking part.

All events are on Dec. 7, unless otherwise indicated:

  • Bellevue: 5 p.m. at Crossroads Mall Verizon store
  • Bellingham: 11 a.m. at the Verizon store on Bellis Fair Parkway
  • Bellingham: 6 p.m. at the Verizon store on Sunset Drive
  • Burlington: 10 a.m. at the Burlington Verizon store
  • Longview: 5 p.m. at the Verizon store in Longview
  • Marysville: 9 a.m. at the Marysville Verizon store
  • Oak Harbor: 6 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Verizon store on Whidbey Island
  • Olympia: 4 p.m. at the Verizon store in Capital Mall
  • Olympia: Dec. 10, 1 p.m. at the Verizon store on Cooper Point Road
  • Seattle: 5 p.m. at the downtown Verizon store
  • Shoreline: 10 a.m. at the Aurora Village Verizon store
  • Silverdale: Noon at the Silverdale Verizon store
  • Spokane: Noon at the Verizon store on Francis Avenue
  • Sequim: 11 a.m. at the Verizon store on Washington Street
  • Poulsbo: 11 a.m. at the Poulsbo Verizon store
  • Vancouver: Dec. 10, 11 a.m. at the Verizon store on Vancouver Plaza Drive
  • Walla Walla: 9 a.m. at the Verizon store on Wilbur Avenue
  • Walla Walla: 3:30 p.m. at the Verizon store on Meadowbrook Boulevard
  • Woodinville: 5 p.m. at the downtown Woodinville Verizon store

What is Net Neutrality?

Net Neutrality is the way the Internet has operated over the past couple of years. It can get a little technical for the average Internet user who just wants Netflix to deliver their shows efficiently.

On one side of the argument are those who say the Internet has become so essential to society that it is akin to telephone lines and highways. Therefore it should be available equally to everyone, ensuring information is freely shared, and businesses operate on the same level. On the other side of the argument are those who say that businesses should be able to charge websites for preferential service.

RELATED: What happens when net neutrality rules bite the dust?

Under net neutrality, all websites are delivered to you over the Internet at the same speed. It doesn’t matter if it’s Amazon.com, an online mom and pop shop, or Netflix or Hulu; all data is treated the same. Without net neutrality, an Internet service provider (Comcast, CenturyLink, Verizon, etc.) can pick and choose what websites and services it delivers, and how fast. In theory, a provider could charge company X a fee to ensure their website gets to you first, then company Y would be “throttled” (the provider intentionally slows it down).

Verizon and the protests

One reason many protests are targeting Verizon stores is that FCC Chairman Ajit Pai once worked as an attorney for the company between 2001-2003. He has since worked in a variety of government positions from the Department of Justice to the FCC, generally working on communications issues.

In 2011, Republican minority leader Mitch McConnell recommended Pai for a Republican position at the FCC. President Barack Obama, in turn, nominated Pai for the position. When President Donald Trump entered office in 2017, he placed Pai as head of the FCC. In this position, Pai has worked to remove regulations on the Internet.

According to a statement from Evan Greer with Fight for the Future, a group organizing the protests across the nation, Verizon is being targeted for its role in lobbying the FCC.

The protests will highlight the company’s role lobbying to kill rules that prevent telecom giants from charging extra fees, engaging in censorship, or controlling what Internet users see and do through discriminatory throttling.

MyNorthwest News

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

37 minutes ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

‘Kia Boys’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

2 hours ago

Spanaway woman shot dead...

Kate Stone

Search for shooter continues after woman shot dead while driving in Spanaway

A 47-year-old woman was shot dead in Spanaway, causing her to hit another driver head-on early Wednesday morning.

3 hours ago

nintendo redmond...

Frank Sumrall

Nintendo to lay off 86 Redmond employees this spring

Nintendo of America is laying off 86 contract workers in Redmond, beginning May 25, due to company reorganization.

3 hours ago

Everett boy missing...

Sam Campbell

4-year-old Everett boy missing, police worried he’s in danger

Police and Search and Rescue crews are looking for a missing four-year-old boy they suspect could be in danger.

5 hours ago

Image: The awnings of a store advertise the sale of lottery tickets, including Mega Millions and Po...

Steve Coogan

Lottery jackpots update: Powerball prize jumps again after $1.1B Mega Millions win

A lottery jackpots update: The Powerball prize reached an estimated $935 million ahead of Saturday night's drawing.

14 hours ago

Net neutrality protests target Washington Verizon stores