PETITION in favor of FCC Net Neutrality Rules
"We, the undersigned, represent the iPhone community at large and the hearing and/or speech impaired users of the iPhone in particular and we support the proposed FCC Net Neutrality Rules under consideration.
As iPhone users currently under an exclusive provider agreement between Apple and AT&T we are unable to maximize the use of our device because AT&T places restrictions on our device. These restrictions generally cover downloads of legal services that include, but are not limited to, music and video.
As iPhone users who are hearing and/or speech impared the limitations imposed by AT&T prevent us from being able to communicate through VRS or Video Relay Services that we are dependent upon in order to make phone calls via VRS services as is mandated by the ADA for “functional equivalency”. Previous versions of iPhone software made it possible for us to tether, or connect, our iPhones to our laptops or other video communication devices and make VP or Video Phone calls. Once that ability was discovered, AT&T instituted programs and/or policies that prevented us from making these calls or utilizing this capacity.
The ability to communicate or enjoy our devices regardless of handicap or legal use is being prevented by AT&T and other providers. The action by these providers is not only stifling our ability to communicate but stifling the flow of legal commerce. The ability to communicate and the implementation of legal commerce are drivers of economic growth, therefore the hindrance of these abilities equals the hindrance of economic growth. We implore the FCC, Congress, Business, and the Internet Service Providers to recognize this fact and work towards implementing the abilities and promises of these advanced technologies for the benefit of all.
We, the undersigned, request that the proposed Net Neutrality Rules be implemented for all means of service in order to serve all people and in order to promote the next generation of technology and growth."
