i2Coalition Plans to Educate Lawmakers with Capitol Hill Internet Advocacy Day

The following commentary is by Liam Eagle cross-posted from The WHIR:

The Internet Infrastructure Coalition, the organization created by hosting providers to represent the needs of the industry to the US government on matters of public policy, is planning an event at the capital designed to educate lawmakers on the role that internet infrastructure providers play in powering the economy.

i2C board chair Christian Dawson posted recently on the organization’s blog, saying that while details are still being finalized, members from the coalition’s roster will visit congress on February 27 in an effort to educate lawmakers on how the internet works in general.

“Our goal for Internet Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill is simple,” says Dawson, in the blog post. “We aim to educate legislators and members of the press about the Internet industry and the importance of supporting legislative and regulatory strategies that promote Internet growth and innovation. We understand the significance of collaboration and cooperation between those who understand and build the Internet and our elected leaders to find the best policy solutions.”

Founded in July of 2012, a part of the movement of Internet-interested parties to fight against the passing of the Stop Online Piracy Act and the Protect IP Act, the i2Coalion launched at HostingCon last summer, to a strong show of support from businesses in the hosting industry. Following the defeat of those bills (as a result of a large and Internet-wide effort), the i2C has continued in its efforts at education.

According to the post, the group planning to participate in person with the event includes representatives from coalition members AiNET, Arvixe, Black Lotus, Cheval Capital, Firehost, Gandi.net, Green Olive Tree, Handy Networks, Hedgehog Hosting, Jumpline, LeaseWeb USA, ServInt, Studio 1337 and WiredTree.

Along with the hosting industry representation, Dawson says Senators Jerry Moran and Ron Wyden have confirmed that they will be involved in the day. Both Moran and Wyden have been supportive of the group’s work, and were early opponents for SOPA and PIPA.

Dawson says in the post that he plans to issue an update once the plans for the February 27 event are finalized.