The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to vote later this month on reinstating net neutrality rules that were repealed during the Trump administration, announced the agency’s chair on Wednesday.
If approved, the proposal would reinstate the rules established during the Obama era, which prohibited broadband providers from blocking or throttling internet traffic to certain websites and prioritizing access to others that pay additional fees.
FCC Head Jessica Rosenworcel (Credits: New York Post)
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the essential nature of broadband, which was particularly highlighted during the pandemic. She criticized the previous administration for relinquishing authority over broadband services, stating that it hampered the FCC’s ability to safeguard broadband networks, protect consumer data, and ensure a fast, open, and fair internet.
Enhanced Oversight of Broadband Companies
Rosenworcel asserted that returning to the FCC’s widely supported and court-approved net neutrality standard would enable the agency to once again advocate for consumers and maintain an open internet.
Additionally, the proposal aims to grant the FCC enhanced oversight of broadband companies, allowing the agency to address issues such as outages, security concerns, and consumer harm.
Donald Trump (Credits: ABC News)
The FCC is scheduled to vote on reinstating the net neutrality rules at its April 25 meeting. The decision follows a partisan 3-2 vote in October, with a Democratic majority after a two-year delay over a previous nominee.
The original net neutrality rules, established in 2015 under President Obama, were repealed in 2018 under the Trump administration.
Industry groups have already strongly opposed the proposed reinstatement of net neutrality rules. USTelecom, representing broadband providers, argued that such action contradicts President Biden’s push for Internet for All, calling it counterproductive and unnecessary.
