Overview

U.S. PIRG is working to build a fair and open communications system where consumers have access to quality information. We’re working hard to make sure that every consumer has access to affordable, fair and fast broadband Internet, increase and preserve community media and citizen media outlets, and ensure that Americans are protected by strong consumer laws that guarantee privacy, foster competition, and promote the highest quality of service.

The Supreme Court has long held that “the rights of the viewers and listeners are paramount” and that “the widest possible dissemination of information from diverse and antagonistic sources is essential to the welfare of the public.” The largest media conglomerates, however, see things differently.  Big media companies have monopolized television, cable channel, radio, print and are now seeking to take over the Internet.  That means fewer and fewer voices are represented in media and fewer issues are covered.  Now, these overgrown companies are starting to layoff reporters or shutdown papers and are leaving communities all across America without local news. 
 
While America was once on the cutting edge of technology and access to information, we are now one of the slowest industrialized nations in terms of Internet speeds. Despite our spotty broadband coverage, throttled access and slow service, Americans still pay some of the highest rates.

In most of the world cell phone consumers can use almost any phone with any network. But in the U.S. consumers are limited to a handful of offerings per network and locked into networks by punitive early termination fees and proprietary handsets. As a result of our locked cell phone market, American consumers lose out on the newest innovative product or service.

Finally, developments in the digital age urgently require government to rethink the laws that protect consumer information privacy. Today, electronic information from consumers is collected, compiled, sold secretly and without consumer safeguards. We’re working hard to modernize our laws to protect consumers online.

To fix these problems, U.S. PIRG is fighting to ensure:
•    Quality media coverage of local news, diverse issues, and citizen voices
•    Affordable, fair, fast and open broadband Internet access from coast to coast
•    Wireless innovation, unlocked cellphones and fair and honest billing
•    Lasting privacy protection that covers and empowers all digital consumer