Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Associated Press
MENLO PARK, Calif.
The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission followed through Tuesday on a pledge to scrap rules around open internet access, allowing giant cable and telecom companies to throttle broadband speeds and favor their own services if they wish.
Ajit Pai sought to repeal “net neutrality” regulations enacted under the Obama administration. The current rules treat internet service providers such as Comcast, AT&T and Verizon as if they were utility companies that provide essential services, like electricity. The rules mandate that they give equal access to all online content and apps.
Pai said those rules discourage investments that could provide even better and faster online access. Instead, he said new rules would force ISPs to be transparent about their services and management policies, and then would let the market decide.
“Under my proposal, the federal government will stop micromanaging the internet,” Pai said in a statement.
Pai distributed his alternative plan to other FCC commissioners Tuesday in preparation for a Dec. 14 vote. Pai promised to release his entire proposal today. Although the FCC’s two Democrats said they will oppose the proposal, the repeal is likely to prevail as Republicans dominate 3-2. The vote for net neutrality in 2015 was also along party lines, but Democrats dominated then.