Rep. Eric Massa (D-NY), took additional steps to educate and inform his supporters this morning in an e-mail message designed to bring additional attention to the Time Warner usage capping issue, and to encourage people to stay aware of ongoing developments.

Rep. Massa has taken a lead on this issue, in response to large numbers of complaints from constituents in his western New York district who would be seriously affected by Time Warner’s usage caps and price hikes.  Many within his district live in rural areas outside of metropolitan Rochester, and do not have access to DSL or wi-fi alternatives, leaving Time Warner broadband with de facto monopoly status.  The congressman expressed dissatisfaction with the “concessions” offered by Time Warner last week in response to customer complaints, noting that customers who wish to retain their current level of broadband service are being asked to pay three times more for the same product.

Hello,

First off, I want to reassure you that this is not a fundraising email.  Instead I want to take a minute to update you on the issues surrounding my opposition to Time Warner Cable’s new plan to restructure how they charge internet customers.  Their new fee structure would be based on how much customers download from the internet, and would result in huge fee increases for many local customers.   Time Warner is rolling this new plan out in several test markets around the country, including right here in the 29th Congressional District, where they have a near-monopoly on internet access.

I stand firmly opposed to this unfair and disproportionate fee increase, and will be moving swiftly to enact legislation designed prevent this ill-conceived plan.  The Massa Broadband Fairness act will prohibit this unfair tiered price structure from internet providers.  At a time when information is vitally important to our global economy, Time Warner Cable wants to charge more for access to information on the internet.  This is a guaranteed mechanism to kill jobs and stifle the economic recovery that we so desperately need.  While I believe in a business’s right to maximize their profit potential, I believe that safeguards need to be put in place when a business has a monopoly on a specific region.  I will fight these unnecessary burdens being place on my constituents, and work to keep access to information available to all.  I believe that this will help create a more vibrant and diverse business community, and will ensure that our schools and colleges continue to lead the nation.

Thank you for all that you do.

Warmest Regards,

Eric Massa

Eric Massa
Commander US Navy (ret.)

Those interested in contacting Congressman Massa’s office to thank him for his efforts are encouraged to call one of the district offices:

Washington DC Office
1208 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3161
Fax: (202) 226-6599

Corning District Office
89 W. Market Street
Corning, NY 14830
Phone: (607) 654-7566
Fax: (607) 654-7568

Olean Office
317 North Union Street
Olean, NY 14760
Phone: (716) 372-2090
Fax: (716) 372-2869

Pittsford District Office
1 Grove St
Suite 101
Pittsford, NY 14534
Phone: (585) 218-0040
Fax: (585) 218-0053