Net Neutrality Could Be Revived After Pivotal FCC Vote

The Federal Communications Commission voted on Thursday to push ahead with a proposal to restore net neutrality — the idea that internet service providers should treat all traffic on the internet equally and provide the same level of speed, reliability and openness to everyone using their service. 

Net neutrality’s revival comes five years after the rules were repealed during the Trump administration.

The FCC commissioners voted 3-2 in favor along partisan lines to initiate a months-long process —which includes asking for public comment — to reinstate net neutrality.

“Today, there is no expert agency ensuring that the internet is fast, open, and fair. And for everyone, everywhere to enjoy the full benefits of the internet age, internet access needs to be more than just accessible and affordable,” Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said ahead of Thursday’s vote.

 “The internet needs to be open.”

To that end, the FCC plans to reclassify broadband service providers under Title II of the Telecommunications Act, which would force them to adopt more stringent rules and oversight protocols, similar to a public utility. After the FCC solicits public comment on the plans, the agency will review and make a final decision.

Opponents to the proposal point out that nixing net neutrality regulations in 2017 didn’t make the internet less open. Republican FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington added that the rules could force internet providers to up their prices and that there already is “de facto net neutrality.”