Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has reinstated net neutrality regulations, ensuring that major Internet providers are once again required to adhere to rules prohibiting blocking or throttling of traffic. The commission’s 3-2 vote along party lines signifies a return to robust regulations that prevent providers like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon from favoring certain types of internet traffic over others.
These newly reinstated rules closely resemble those implemented in 2015 when the FCC reclassified internet service as a common carrier, similar to phone service. The decision to reclassify was driven by the Democratic majority within the commission as a means to establish significant net neutrality regulations.
Despite efforts by opponents of net neutrality to argue against such regulation, concerns about the internet devolving into a tiered system of fast lanes have not materialized. Similarly, supporters point to the impact of state regulations in guiding the practices of major Internet providers.
Congress has struggled to pass legislation that would formalize net neutrality, with multiple attempts over the past 15 years failing to reach a compromise. FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the essential nature of broadband access in the modern digital age, highlighting the pivotal role it played during the pandemic in enabling work, education, and healthcare to transition online.
Rosenworcel underscored the shift in perception of broadband from a luxury to a necessity for all individuals, emphasizing its status as an essential service requiring regulatory oversight. The reinstatement of net neutrality regulations reflects a broader recognition of the critical role of broadband connectivity in ensuring equal access and opportunities for individuals across the country.