FCC Vote Restores Net Neutrality Rules

Facts

• The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Thursday voted 3-2 along political-party lines (with Democrats in favor) to restore net neutrality — the policy that prohibits internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking or slowing traffic, or charging more to deliver content from certain sources.¹
• Previously, the commission in October voted 3-2 to advance this proposal, which also gives the FCC oversight of broadband internet. These rules had been previously rescinded under Republican Pres. Donald Trump.¹
• By voting in favor of the new rules — known as 'Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet' — and reclassifying ISPs as carriers under Title II of the Communications Act, the FCC now has authority over what Democratic FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel called an 'essential service.'²
• ISPs, which say they never violate the concept of net neutrality, have long objected to being categorized under Title II for fears the FCC could regulate their pricing. The FCC, at this time, is not considering regulating rates.³
• Net neutrality was originally passed in 2015 during Democratic Pres. Barack Obama's administration. It was rescinded in 2017.⁴

Sources: ¹USA Today, ²Forbes, ³Verge and ⁴CBS.

Narratives

• Democratic narrative, as provided by Raw Story. This decision should be celebrated from coast to coast. Net neutrality is popular and desperately needed. American people across the country and from all walks of life rely on internet service and shouldn't be subject to the whims of ISPs controlling speeds and access.
• Republican narrative, as provided by FOX News. This is an unnecessary power grab by the government that will cause unexpected harm to customers in the future. The people cheering this decision were the ones howling over the end of internet neutrality seven years ago — but they were crying wolf. Luckily, the courts will likely overrule the FCC.

Predictions