Cable lobby vows “years of litigation” to avoid bans on blocking and throttling
The Federal Communications Commission has scheduled an April 25 vote to restore net neutrality rules similar to the ones introduced during the Obama era and repealed under former President Trump.
"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," FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said today. "A return to the FCC's overwhelmingly popular and court-approved standard of net neutrality will allow the agency to serve once again as a strong consumer advocate of an open Internet."
The text of the pending net neutrality order wasn't released today. The FCC press release said it will prohibit broadband providers "from blocking, slowing down, or creating pay-to-play Internet fast lanes" and "bring back a national standard for broadband reliability, security, and consumer protection."
The FCC move has been expected ever since September 2023 when the Senate confirmed Biden nominee Anna Gomez to give Democrats a 3–2 majority on the commission. The Senate had refused to confirm Biden's first nominee, Gigi Sohn, resulting in a 2–2 deadlock that lasted for most of Biden's term.
