On the eve of a Federal Communications Commission vote to repeal net neutrality rules, some congressional Republicans are suddenly pivoting against the Trump administration and joining the outcry against the move — just as a new poll shows the vast majority of GOP voters want the rules preserved. In 2015, the FCC put in place strong…
e FCC is voting Thursday on whether to repeal the “Net Neutrality” rule adopted in 2015.
Three years ago, the FCC passed a landmark rule that prevents internet service providers from favoring some sites over others – slowing down connections or charging customers a fee for streaming or other services. It gave Americans equal access to all the content that’s available on the internet – videos, social media, e-commerce sites, etc. – at the same speeds.
But the recently appointed chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Ajit Pai, wants to abolish “Net Neutrality,” and give telecommunications giants like Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T the upper hand. His plan would:
Drive up prices for internet service. Broadband providers could charge customers higher rates to access certain sites, or raise rates for internet companies to reach consumers faster speeds. Either way, these prices hikes would be passed along to you and me.
Give corporate executives free reign to slow down and censor news or websites that don’t match their political agenda, or give preference to their content – for any reason at all.
Stifle innovation. Cable companies could severely hurt their competitors by blocking specific apps or online services. Small businesses who can’t afford to pay higher rates could be squeezed out altogether.
Broadband providers claim that Net Neutrality rules actually hurts consumers because it discourages investment in their networks. Rubbish. Since Net Neutrality was adopted, investment has remained consistent. During calls with investors, telecom executives themselves have even admitted that Net Neutrality hasn’t hurt their businesses.
There’s still time. Please help stop this corporate power grab over what we can say and do online.
Robert Reich, Founding Fellow, The Sanders Institute