FCC Implements Rules of Net Neutrality
In case you missed it, the FCC ruled last Thursday to put in effect strong net neutrality rules, banning paid prioritization by Internet service providers. The new rules also apply to mobile access.
The FCC now also has the power to address complaints at interconnection points, the gateway between ISPs and the Internet, on a case-by-case basis. It plans to enforce the new open Internet rules through investigation and processing of formal and informal complaints.
“The Internet is simply too important to allow broadband providers to be the ones making the rules,” Tom Wheeler, the Chairman, said prior to the vote.
Without these rules in effect, ISPs would be able to block or favor certain Internet users, for any reason they choose. Verizon, one of the opponents to net neutrality, released a statement shortly after the announcement:
“…a radical step that presages a time of uncertainty for consumers, innovators and investors,” Michael E. Glover, Verizon senior vice president, public policy and government affairs, said the FCC “chose to use this order as an excuse to adopt 300-plus pages of broad and open-ended regulatory arcana that will have unintended negative consequences for consumers and various parts of the Internet ecosystem for years to come.”
Although a victory, the FCC and net neutrality will no doubt have to face lawsuits from opponents in the future.
Leave a Reply