The Internet is ours again—as it should be.
Around a year ago—we almost lost it. Then, the people and media united in an effort to tell the government what we thought about giving ISPs the power to control our access to the Internet.
The government listened—and on February 26 it became official. The Federal Communications Commission approved the policy known as net neutrality by a 3-2 vote.
That’s right, once in a while democracy works.
What is in the policy?
Highlights include:
- The reclassification of “broadband Internet access service” as a telecommunications service, which would allow for more transparency and regulation by the FCC.
- That mobile broadband be included as well
- That broadband providers may not block access to legal and non-harmful websites
- ISPs cannot prioritize some content over others –no “fast lanes”
- And, for the first time, the FCC would have the authority to hear complaints about ISP practices
The FCC now has broad authority over the Internet, and can regulate broadband providers in the same way it governs telephone service providers. We will have unfettered access to the Internet—access that is now protected by law.
Of course, some are upset.
Many—including the dissenting voters, Michael O’Rielly (R) and Ajut Pai (R)—fear that the FCC is overstepping its bounds and interfering in commerce. The fear is that the reclassification of broadband could usher in new state and local taxes that apply to public utilities. However, as long as the Internet Tax Freedom Act is in effect, new taxes are prohibited.
And, there is no proof that all of the current fees on telephone services would apply to Internet services. Whatever taxes the government or states try to impose, both the FCC and Congress are able to take some action to eliminate them.
And it’s still not over…
After the policy rules are published in the Federal Register, likely by the time this article is published, broadband providers will be lining up to file suit against the FCC. AT&T has already suggested it will sue, and it is likely that others will challenge the FCC’s 3-2 vote.
Bottom line?
The excitement is not over as legal battles loom. But, you just can’t take the Internet away from the people. The Internet doesn’t belong to ISPs, carriers, huge corporations with mega-lobbyists, or the government. An integral part of our daily lives, the Internet belongs to the people. And Wheeler made darn sure we can access it without delay, deviousness, or discrimination.