FCC to vote on restoring net neutrality rules rescinded by Trump

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will vote later this month on reinstating net neutrality rules that were repealed under former President Donald Trump, the commission’s chairman announced Wednesday.

If approved, the proposal would replace the Obama-era law that prohibits broadband providers from blocking or restricting Internet traffic to some websites or speeding up access to other websites for an additional fee. The rules will be reinstated.

“The pandemic has proven once and for all that broadband is essential,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement.

“Since the previous administration relinquished its authority over broadband services, the FCC has taken action to fully secure broadband networks, protect consumer data, and ensure the Internet remains fast, open, and fair. “I was handcuffed from there,” she continued.

“Returning to the FCC’s overwhelmingly popular and court-approved net neutrality standards will allow the FCC to once again serve as a strong consumer advocate for an open internet,” Rosen said. Worsell added.

He said the proposal would give the FCC greater oversight of broadband companies to address outages, security concerns and harm to consumers.

The FCC is scheduled to vote on reinstating net neutrality rules at its April 25 meeting. The agency voted 3-2 along partisan lines in October to move forward with the process, after securing a Democratic majority after two years of losing previous candidates.

Net neutrality rules were first approved by the FCC in 2015 under former President Barack Obama, but were repealed in 2018 under the Trump administration.

The FCC is preparing to vote on the proposal later this month, but industry groups are already strongly opposed to the move. USTelecom, an industry group representing broadband providers, argued that reinstating net neutrality rules runs counter to President Biden’s “Internet for All” push.

“Here we go again. It’s been two years since the White House asked Congress and the nation to collaborate on Internet for All,” said Jonathan Spalter, president and CEO of USTelecom. he said in a statement.

“But with this goal so close to being achieved, the FCC is putting the brakes on this completely counterproductive, unnecessary, and anti-consumer regulatory distraction. America deserves better.” added Mr. Spalter.