(WJET/WFXP) — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to restore net neutrality in a vote of 3-2 Thursday.
This decision reclassifies the broadband internet as a Title 2 common carrier service, bringing it under the control of the FCC.
The Obama-era rules also prevent providers from throttling, or slowing down internet traffic to sites that don’t pay a fee.
“The pandemic proved once and for all that broadband is essential,” FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said Thursday. “After the prior administration abdicated authority over broadband services, the FCC has been handcuffed from acting to fully secure broadband networks, protect consumer data, and ensure the internet remains fast, open, and fair.”
During the hearing, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr delivered a fiery dissent lasting over 30 minutes explaining the history and how net neutrality came into existence. He slammed the over 400-page order calling it a “power grab,” and arguing that there have been positive results and a lack of negative consequences since net neutrality was rolled back.
The full article is available at ozarksfirst.com.
(Story by Joshua Hallenbeck, Jeremy Tanner, WJET/WFXP, found at ozarksfirst.com)