Dear Mr. XXXXXXXXXXx:

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts regarding net neutrality. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond. Net neutrality is the principle that Internet Service Providers (ISP) will be required to treat all data traveling over the networks equally, rather than allowing ISP's to customize service offerings with their users and compete for more customers on the basis of quality and price. It essentially imposes a one-size-fits-all business model on the Internet and represents an unprecedented government power grab to control and regulate the Internet, which is why federal courts have already slapped down the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) twice before when attempts were made to impose net neutrality mandates in the past. As you may know, the FCC recently voted in secret to adopt net neutrality mandates and reclassify broadband Internet access services as "telecommunication services" under Title II of the Communications Act. This would allow the government to regulate the Internet under the same rules designed for "Ma Bell" in 1934, which hampered innovation and growth for more than fifty years. I support a governing framework for the Internet that allows more competition, more innovation, and more freedom of speech. I believe that less government regulation, not more, provides for the best opportunity for the Internet to continue to be a major source of innovation and economic growth for the United States and the rest of the world. When the issue comes before the Senate, I will carefully consider everything you have said in making a decision on what is best for North Carolina and the rest of the country. Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. It is important to hear from citizens themselves on issues that affect the state and the nation. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me again about other important issues Sincerely, Thom Tillis U.S. Senator