The FCC today published its “Restoring Internet Freedom” rules governing net neutrality in the Federal Register. Per the filing, the agency will repeal the Obama-era net neutrality rules effective April 23.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai believes the open market, rather than actual rules, will prevent telecommunications companies from acting in bad faith. Pai is doing away with bright-line rules that prevent throttling and paid-prioritization and suggests that as long as companies are transparent about their policies all will be good. Further, the FCC believes the FTC should take on a greater role in protecting consumers. The FTC, however, is a reactionary body that takes steps only after grievances have occurred.
The move is seen as a victory for telecommunications companies such as AT&T and Verizon. April 23 may mark the official end of net neutrality rules, but the FCC’s order is the target of litigation.
The attorneys general from 21 states plan to sue the FCC in a bid to overturn the reversal. Further, the governors of Montana, New Jersey, and New York have introduced their own rules that compel telecommunications firms to abide by at least some elements to treat web traffic equally. Similarly, some 50 senators have agreed to introduce legislation that would keep net neutrality rules in place, as well as give control over the matter to Congress. Many consumer groups have also vowed to fight the new rules.
