This year, the FCC passed a new rule to restore net neutrality. In April, the FTC and FCC announced a partnership to enforce it and regulate the internet. For years, the debate centered around whether the FTC or the FCC should regulate the internet. Now, they will collaborate to enforce rules for internet providers.
Legal Challenges to Net Neutrality
A lobby group for cable and telecom providers asked the FCC to pause the Net Neutrality rules. They wanted to wait for a court case they believed they would win. The US Court has blocked the Net Neutrality rules as the case proceeds. It ruled that internet providers are likely to win their efforts to block Net Neutrality.
ACA Connects, a trade group, opposes the plan. It represents 500 small and medium-sized firms. They provide internet, video, and phone services to 31.9 million households. “ACA Connects President and CEO Grant Spellmeyer said, ‘The FCC’s internet takeover is unwarranted.’ It harms small, independent providers.”
They want to invest to close the digital divide. They support Congressman Bob Latta’s resolution. They thank him for his leadership as chair of the subcommittee on communications and technology.
The new rules reclassify ISPs as Title II companies. The FCC and FTC now have more regulatory power. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, “Consumers do not want their broadband provider cutting sweetheart deals, with fast lanes for some services and slow lanes for others… Now we can protect consumers, ensure internet openness, and defend national security. We can also monitor network reliability and resiliency.” FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said, “The FTC aims to protect Americans from illegal business tactics.” We look forward to continuing our partnership with the FCC.
Net services are now Title II common carrier services. So, they delayed net neutrality. Internet providers will likely continue to challenge it in court. The FCC and FTC are working together to create a regulatory framework for the internet.