Washington – On Thursday, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 in favor of reinstating net neutrality rules and resuming regulatory oversight of broadband internet. This landmark decision comes after the rules were rescinded under former President Donald Trump.
The commission, voting along party lines, finalized a proposal first introduced in October to reinstate the open internet rules that were adopted in 2015 and restore the commission’s authority over broadband. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of ensuring that every consumer has access to fast, open, and fair internet. She criticized the previous FCC for disregarding this responsibility and abandoning broadband regulation.
Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) should provide equal access to all content and applications, without giving preference to any particular source or blocking any products or websites. The FCC also used its authority to order Chinese telecom companies, including China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile, to cease their broadband internet services in the United States.
Rosenworcel explained that the FCC has taken similar actions against Chinese companies in the past, utilizing the existing authority. This move to reinstate net neutrality has been a top priority for President Joe Biden, who signed an executive order in July 2021, urging the FCC to reinstate the rules established during the Obama administration.
This decision was long-awaited as Democrats, who support the reinstatement of net neutrality, did not have a majority in the five-member FCC until October. During the Trump administration, the FCC argued that these rules were unnecessary and hindered innovation, leading to a decrease in network investment by ISPs. However, Democrats disputed this claim.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce criticized the FCC’s action, stating that it would only hinder investments and innovation needed to connect all Americans. They also claimed that the commission was imposing a flawed regulatory structure from the pre-television era on broadband.
On the other hand, public interest group Free Press hailed the FCC’s vote as a major victory for the public. They believe that this decision empowers the FCC to hold major ISPs like AT&T, Comcast, Spectrum, and Verizon accountable for the harm caused to internet users across the country.
However, a group of Republican lawmakers, including House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Senator Ted Cruz, strongly opposed the plan, calling it an “illegal power grab.” They argue that it would subject the broadband industry to an oppressive regulatory regime, allowing the agency and states to impose rate regulations, unbundle obligations and tax broadband providers. However, Democrats on the FCC have assured that they will not set any rate regulations.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association, which represents major tech companies such as Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms, supports net neutrality and believes that the rules must be reinstated to preserve open access to the internet.
Meanwhile, USTelecom, a trade association representing major ISPs like AT&T and Verizon, strongly disagrees with the decision, calling it “entirely counterproductive, unnecessary, and an anti-consumer regulatory distraction.” They believe that reinstating net neutrality will only hinder progress in the industry.
Despite the federal government’s decision to withdraw the requirement in 2017, several states have already implemented their own net neutrality laws or regulations. In May 2022, industry groups dropped their legal challenges against these state requirements.
The reinstatement of net neutrality rules is a significant step towards ensuring a level playing field for all internet users. It will prevent ISPs from manipulating or limiting access to certain content, services, or applications. This decision also highlights the need for strong regulatory oversight to protect consumers and promote fair competition in the broadband industry.
In conclusion, the FCC’s vote to reinstate net neutrality rules is a major victory for the public and a clear message that every consumer deserves fast, open, and fair internet access. This decision will help bridge the digital divide and pave the way for a more equitable and accessible internet for all.
