The FCC has reinstated net neutrality rules to prevent ISPs from blocking or throttling content, facing industry opposition and potential legal challenges.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to restore net neutrality regulations. The decision was made with a 3-to-2 vote on Thursday, marking a significant policy shift from the previous administration.
The net neutrality rules, first established under the Obama administration, prevent internet service providers (ISPs) like Verizon, Comcast, and others from blocking or degrading the delivery of services from competitors such as Netflix and YouTube. These rules were repealed during the Trump administration, leading to a contentious debate and a divided stance among tech companies, broadband providers, and political parties.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel stated, "Every consumer deserves internet access that is fast, open, and fair. This is common sense." The reinstated rules will empower the FCC to demand broadband providers report and respond to outages and expand the agency's oversight of providers' security issues.
Despite these regulatory efforts, broadband providers are expected to challenge the reinstatement of these rules in court. Jonathan Spalter, the president of USTelecom, a broadband lobbying group, said, "This is a nonissue for broadband consumers, who have enjoyed an open internet for decades." The organization plans to "pursue all available options, including in the courts."
Republican lawmakers have also voiced concerns, sending a letter to Ms. Rosenworcel earlier this week, arguing that treating broadband providers like a utility could harm the telecommunications industry's growth.
The FCC's decision to impose net neutrality rules today includes prohibitions on ISPs from blocking and throttling lawful content and a ban on paid prioritization. While ISPs insist that such rules are not necessary and claim that they already follow net neutrality principles, they also argue that the regulations are burdensome and could impede investment in network infrastructure.
The impending court battle is expected to focus on whether the FCC has the authority to define broadband as a telecommunications service, a key step for imposing Title II common-carrier regulations. FCC Republicans, such as Commissioner Brendan Carr, have criticized the decision and expressed hope that the Supreme Court will limit the FCC's regulatory powers.
In addition to net neutrality provisions, the FCC stated that reinstating Title II will grant it the authority to revoke the authorizations of foreign-owned entities to operate broadband networks in the U.S.
