COLLEGE STATION — On Tuesday in College Station, Texas, FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai held a public meeting on the agency’s open Internet proceeding. Approximately 100 people attended the event, including dozens who participated in a Net Neutrality rally prior to the forum.

Free Press Field Director Mary Alice Crim made the following statement:

“On very short notice dozens of people traveled hundreds of miles to speak out in favor of real Net Neutrality protections. It’s clear from the Texas hearing that the strongest public cheers and comments were for Title II — the only law that lets the FCC prevent Internet service providers from interfering with user content and discriminating against websites and online services.

“The enthusiasm of the College Station audience for real Net Neutrality is no surprise, as millions of people across the country have flooded the FCC with calls for Title II protections.

“While we often disagree with his positions, we applaud Commissioner Pai for convening this important discussion outside of Washington, D.C. We remain concerned about Chairman Tom Wheeler's continued reluctance to host the same kinds of open discussions outside the Beltway."