Congress needs to make net neutrality a lasting policy
Just like a company that provides electricity cannot discriminate on the basis of what their customers use their electricity for, so should Internet Service Providers (ISPs) not discriminate on the basis of what websites and data its customers use. Allowing users to access all websites, apps and content on equal terms is what net neutrality is about.
The Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission voted on April 25 to reinstate Obama-era net neutrality rules, after the Trump administration had rolled back oversight of ISP practices, thereby restoring the internet’s classification as utility services under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934.
This is good, but even better would be federal legislation that more permanently enshrines net neutrality in law.
the FCC-FTC action means that ISPs are now closer to electric companies than they are to television stations, which can privilege whatever content they choose. “Every consumer deserves internet access that is fast, open and fair,” FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel said before the vote. “This is common sense.”
It also means that like other public utilities, the government can hold providers more accountable for negligent disruptions to service.
Critics of net neutrality call it government overreach, and argue that because companies like Verizon built broadband networks, they have the right to throttle and privilege access as they please. But should Comcast be able to favor NBC and Peacock content because they’re owned by the same conglomerate? The longterm result would be ushering consumers into completely different information and entertainment silos, depending on their internet providers.
Some think this is all pointless, as the FCC and FTC commissioners are appointed by whatever party is in charge: a Republican Administration can undo net neutrality just as easily as this one restored it. This points to the necessity of a stable legislative solution, but unfortunately the divided Congress make it unlikely, and bipartisan grand bargains don’t happen much anymore.
As the U.S. Chamber of Commerce pointed out: “Broadband deployment requires clearly defined rules of the road, but these drastic policy maneuvers that occur from one Administration to the next create regulatory whiplash that jeopardizes the certainty necessary to unleash the benefits of the Internet economy for consumers, businesses, and communities.”
Meanwhile, without clear and consistent federal regulation, states have stepped into the breach. Net neutrality rules in California, Washington and Oregon have helped keep ISPs honest. But until Congress can act the matter will remain unsettled.
It’s time for Pennsylvania and Congress to codify the FCC and FTC’s action. Net neutrality only hurts companies seeking to profit by abusing their power of what has become an essential public utility. It should be common-sense all-American policy to allow the people to have equal access to what the internet has to offer.