FCC votes to move forward with proposed changes to net neutrality

The FCC voted 2-1 along party lines to start the process to make significant changes in the net neutrality order adopted by the FCC under Chairman Tom Wheeler in 2015. The FCC proposal aims to reclassify broadband under Title I (information service), instead of its current classification under Title II (telecommunications service), which would alter the FCC’s ability to regulate high-speed Internet.

Chairman Pai’s proposal also seeks comment on the three bright-line Open Internet rules adopted in 2015. The rules prohibit slowing down, blocking, and paid prioritization of Internet content, and aim to keep the Internet fast, open, and fair.

A group of racial justice, civil liberties, and digital rights groups committed to defending the Lifeline for broadband program urged the FCC to avoid any changes that would harm the newly updated program. “We urge the Commission to ensure that nothing in this rulemaking will harm, impair, or weaken the ability of the Lifeline program to help low-income families afford broadband service so that they can take part in the modern economy,” the statement read. “We also urge the Commission to avoid any shift in Lifeline resources or policy that distracts from the program's core goal of defraying the cost of communications services.”

The Communications Workers of America signed the Lifeline coalition letter and has long supported rules to ensure an open Internet and net neutrality in general.

Comments are due July 17 and reply comments are due Aug. 16.

Links:

FCC Votes To Begin Rollback Of Net Neutrality Regulations (NPR, May 18, 2017)

Open Internet rules now in effect (Speed Matters, June 15, 2015)

Racial Justice, Civil Liberties and Digital Rights Groups Urge FCC Not to Harm Lifeline Program (Free Press, May 18, 2017)

CWA Endorses Arrival of Net Neutrality Rules (Speed Matters, Sept. 27, 2011)