FCC Set to Vote on Restoring Net Neutrality Rules, Reversing Trump-era Policies

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is poised to make significant changes to internet regulation by reinstating net neutrality rules and expanding regulatory oversight of broadband internet services. This move marks a reversal of actions taken during the previous administration under President Donald Trump.

The FCC's chair announced plans to bring the issue to a vote at the agency's meeting scheduled for April 25. This decision follows a narrow 3-2 vote in October that signaled the FCC's intention to reinstate open internet rules initially adopted in 2015. These rules aimed to ensure net neutrality, which prohibits internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking or throttling online content and from engaging in paid prioritization, which gives preferential treatment to certain internet traffic over others.By reinstating these rules, the FCC seeks to restore the principles of net neutrality and re-establish its authority over broadband internet services.

This move represents a significant shift in policy direction from the deregulatory approach pursued during the Trump administration, which rolled back these rules in 2017.The decision to reinstate net neutrality rules and expand regulatory oversight of broadband internet reflects ongoing debates about the role of government in regulating the internet and ensuring equal access to online content for all users. It also underscores the importance of internet regulation in shaping the digital landscape and safeguarding principles of fairness and competition in online markets.

Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers should treat all online content and applications equally, without favoritism or discrimination. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel reaffirmed the upcoming commission vote in an interview with Reuters. She underscored the critical role of broadband during the pandemic, emphasizing its importance for ensuring equal opportunities for success in the digital age, irrespective of individuals' backgrounds or geographic locations.

Under the Trump administration, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) overturned net neutrality rules that were put in place during the Obama era. Net neutrality rules prohibited internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking or slowing down access to certain websites or services, and from offering preferential treatment to companies that paid for faster delivery of their content.During Trump's presidency, the FCC, under Chairman Ajit Pai, argued that these rules were unnecessary and hindered innovation in the broadband industry. They contended that without net neutrality regulations, ISPs would have more flexibility to invest in and improve their networks.

However, critics, including many Democrats, argued that without these regulations, ISPs could potentially prioritize certain content over others, leading to a less open and fair internet.With the change in administration and the appointment of Jessica Rosenworcel as FCC chair under President Biden, there has been a renewed push to reinstate net neutrality rules. President Biden issued an executive order in July 2021 directing the FCC to restore these regulations. Democrats regained majority control of the FCC in October, which paved the way for them to advance their agenda on net neutrality.

The move to reinstate net neutrality rules aligns with the Democratic Party's position that ensuring equal access to the internet is essential for promoting innovation, protecting consumers, and fostering a level playing field for businesses online. It represents a significant shift in regulatory approach from the Trump era and reflects the ongoing debate over the role of government oversight in shaping the future of the internet.

Rosenworcel has emphasized that reclassifying broadband providers under Title II of the Communications Act would provide the FCC with crucial new national security measures. The FCC's initial proposal suggested that these rules could grant the agency enhanced authority to compel a broader range of entities to remove and replace equipment and services provided by Chinese firms such as Huawei and ZTE.

Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has voiced his opposition to the reinstatement, pointing out that since 2017, broadband speeds in the U.S. have risen, prices have decreased, and competition has grown. He contends that the proposed plan would lead to "government control of the internet." Despite the repeal in 2017, twelve states have implemented net neutrality laws or regulations. In May 2022, industry groups opted to cease legal challenges against these state mandates.