The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to restore net neutrality, reclassifying broadband internet as a Title 2 common carrier service. This decision restores the Obama-era rules that prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking, throttling, or prioritizing traffic based on payment or content.
The FCC’s decision is a significant victory for consumer advocates and comes as the nation recognizes the critical role of broadband in the post-pandemic digital landscape. Broadband internet has become essential for education, healthcare, work, and civic engagement. The FCC’s action ensures that all Americans have equal access to the internet, regardless of their income or location.
The FCC also emphasized its commitment to addressing financial support for the Affordability Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides internet subsidies for low-income consumers. The ACP was created during the pandemic when children without reliable home internet were seen doing school work outside of fast food restaurants. Unless Congress finds additional funding, ACP subsidies will run out after May, 2024.
The reinstated net neutrality rules will go into effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The FCC will once again play a key role in preventing broadband providers from blocking, slowing down, or creating pay-to-play internet fast lanes. It also enables the FCC to provide oversight of broadband outages and, in turn, bolster its authority over service providers to address the outages.
With the new oversight the regulations will provide, proponents say the FCC will be able to better monitor and respond to the growing national security threat of cyberattacks, which have recently struck major companies, health systems, and local governments in the last year.
