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Last week, the FCC announced that it will consider a Declaratory Ruling, Order, Report and Order, and Order on Reconsideration on Promoting a Fast, Open and Fair Internet at its April 25 Open Meeting.
If adopted, the proposal would
- Return Net Neutrality protections - The FCC would once again play a key role in preventing at the federal level broadband providers from blocking, slowing down or creating pay-to-play internet fast lanes.
- Provide oversight of broadband outages - By restoring the FCC’s Title II authority over internet service providers, the FCC will bolster its ability to require these companies to address internet outages. Without such authority, the FCC cannot require companies to report broadband outages, cannot collect outage data, and lacks the authority to even consider ways that it can help protect against and recover from internet service outages.
- Boost security of broadband networks - In this digital age, there are new and emerging digital threats. Without broadband oversight, the FCC is unable to fully monitor and respond to such national security concerns. For example, without reclassification, the FCC is limited in its authority to direct foreign-owned companies deemed to be national security threats to discontinue any domestic or international broadband services under Sec. 214 – as the agency has done with telephone services. In addition, without reclassification, the FCC has limited authority to incorporate updated cybersecurity standards into network policies.
- Increase consumer protections - Net Neutrality protections would increase the tools the FCC has available to protect consumer data and respond to evolving consumer threats. Updated rules could mean broadband providers could not sell your location data, among other sensitive information. This would empower the agency to protect consumers from other harmful practices.
- Restore a widely accepted national standard - When the previous FCC stepped back from Net Neutrality protections, the court said states could step in. Despite these efforts by individual states to provide robust oversight in response to the prior administration’s retreat from authority, we need a national standard to keep internet access fast, open, and fair. A national standard is also broadly popular: 80% of Americans support open internet policies.
“We have always believed that competition drives innovation, growth, and helps spread connectivity. In terms of the internet, that means open systems that ensure every consumer can access the lawful online content and services of their choice," said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering. "While we would prefer Congress to act on this important issue, in light of congressional inaction we applaud Chairwoman Rosenworcel's announcement that the Commission will vote on the Net Neutrality item in the April meeting," he continued.
"We look forward to reviewing the draft Order and providing our feedback to ensure that the rules are strong as possible, the Commission’s universal service mission can be achieved, and broadband competition is improved."
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