Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

[Mark Turner <jmarkturner AT gmail.com>]

Hello, INWers! A lot has happened since you last heard from me.

Rep. Avila's broken broadband bill known as the "Level Playing Field" or 
H.129 was passed by the NC House by a vote of 81-37. Some exemptions for 
existing systems (like the ones in Wilson and Salisbury) were added but 
other restrictions remain.

The bill now goes before the NC Senate's Finance Committee on Wednesday, 
April 18th at 1 PM. It will be "for discussion only," so no vote will 
take place. A vote will be a week later at its earliest.

Our calls are having an effect! Please take two minutes to call our 
Senators and tell them that the "Level Playing Field" bill perpetuates a 
Time Warner Cable monopoly and effectively blocks our communities 
(particularly rural ones) from filling in the gaps. If you're shy, just 
call after hours and leave a voicemail - it's easy!

Wake:
Sen. Dan Blue (D) - 733-5752
Sen. Neal Hunt (R) - 733-5850
Sen. Josh Stein (D) - 715-6400
Sen. Richard Stevens (R) - 733-5653

Durham/Chatham:
Sen. Bob Atwater (D) - 715-3036
Sen. Floyd McKissick (D) - 733-4599

Orange:
Sen. Ellie Kinnaird (D) - 733-5804

If you're feeling especially froggy, you can contact the rest of the 
Finance members here!
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/Committees/Committees.asp?sAction=ViewCommittee&sActionDetails=Senate+Standing_77

Most folks support broadband choice. Don't let the big telco special 
interests take this away from you! And thanks, as always, for all of 
your calls and help!

Cheers,
Mark