WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially voted to restore landmark net neutrality rules, a pivotal decision that re-establishes the agency’s authority over broadband internet providers. The 3-2 vote, split along party lines, reverses the 2017 repeal and reclassifies broadband internet access as a Title II telecommunications service under the Communications Act.
This reclassification grants the FCC robust oversight over Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon. Under the restored rules, these companies are prohibited from blocking legal websites, throttling (intentionally slowing down) specific types of traffic, or creating paid “fast lanes” that would allow companies to pay for preferential treatment and faster delivery of their content to consumers.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel championed the move, arguing that broadband is an essential service in the modern era. “In our post-pandemic world, we know that broadband is a necessity, not a luxury,” Rosenworcel stated following the vote. “The FCC must have the ability to ensure that broadband access is fast, open, and fair.”
The decision marks a significant victory for consumer advocacy groups and tech companies who have long argued that net neutrality is crucial for maintaining a level playing field for innovation and free expression online. However, the move has been met with strong opposition from the telecommunications industry and Republican commissioners, who argue that the Title II classification imposes burdensome, utility-style regulation that will stifle investment in network infrastructure and innovation.
Major ISP trade groups have signaled their intent to challenge the order in court, setting the stage for another protracted legal battle over the future of internet regulation in the United States. For now, the “open internet” principles that governed the web for years are once again the law of the land, pending the outcome of that inevitable legal fight.
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