FCC Chairman Pai proposes big changes to net neutrality

FCC Chairman Pai released a proposal that would significantly change the net neutrality order adopted by the FCC under President Obama in 2015. The proposal aims to reclassify broadband under Title I (information service), instead of Title II (telecommunications service) where it’s classified now, which would alter the FCC’s ability to regulate high-speed Internet. Comments on the proposal are due July 17.

Chairman Pai’s proposal also seeks comment on the Open Internet rules adopted by his predecessor that went into effect in 2015. The rules prohibit throttling (slowing down), blocking, and paid prioritization by ISPs of Internet content, and aim to keep the Internet fast, open, and fair.

Broadband providers challenged the FCC’s previous net neutrality order in court, objecting to the reclassification of broadband Internet access as a Title II telecommunications service, but did not challenge the FCC’s three Open Internet rules. Last year, a panel of the DC Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the FCC’s Title II reclassification.

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

Links:

Restoring Internet Freedom proposal (FCC, Apr. 27, 2017)

F.C.C. Chairman Pushes Sweeping Changes to Net Neutrality Rules (New York Times, Apr. 26, 2017)

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

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