FCC restores net neutrality

In a 3-2 vote, the FCC has just restored Net Neutrality.

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Net Neutrality is officially back. Under the reinstated rule, internet service providers like Comcast and AT&T are now prohibited from "blocking traffic, slowing down content, or creating pay-to-play internet fast lanes."

Broadband internet has been deemed an essential service, and has been reclassified as a telecommunications service, making internet subject to Title II standards of the Communications Act (essentially, now that the internet is an essential telecommunications service, the FCC can impose specific rules on ISPs).

The FCC has released a Net Neutrality factsheet to clarify what this means for everyday people, and also released the following press release:

The Federal Communications Commission today voted to restore a national standard to ensure the internet is fast, open, and fair. Today's decision to reclassify broadband service as a Title II telecommunications service allows the FCC to protect consumers, defend national security, and advance public safety.

Through its actions today, the Commission creates a national standard by which it can ensure that broadband internet service is treated as an essential service. Today's vote also makes clear that the Commission will exercise its authority over broadband in a narrowly tailored fashion- without rate regulation, tariffing, or unbundling-to foster continued innovation and investment. With today's vote, the Commission restores fundamental authority to provide effective oversight over broadband service providers, giving the Commission essential tools to:

• Protect the Open Internet - Internet service providers will again be prohibited from blocking, throttling, or engaging in paid prioritization of lawful content, restoring the rules that were upheld by the D.C. Circuit in 2016.
• Safeguard National Security - The Commission will have the ability to revoke the authorizations of foreign-owned entities who pose a threat to national security to operate broadband networks in the U.S. The Commission has previously exercised this authority under section 214 of the Communications Act to revoke the operating authorities of four Chinese state-owned carriers to provide voice services in the U.S. Any provider without section 214 authorization for voice services must now also cease any fixed or mobile broadband service operations in the United States.
• Monitor Internet Service Outages - When workers cannot telework, students cannot study, or businesses cannot market their products because their internet service is out, the FCC can now play an active role.