Net Neutrality Regulations Reinstated by FCC
The FCC has reinstated net neutrality regulations, requiring major internet providers like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon to adhere to rules preventing them from blocking or throttling traffic. The rules, adopted with a 3-2 vote along party lines, resemble those from 2015, treating internet service as a common carrier. This decision overturns the rollback of net neutrality during the Trump administration.
Supporters argue that net neutrality ensures fair access to the internet, while opponents claim that fears of a tiered system have not materialized. Despite Congress’s failure to pass legislation on net neutrality, state regulations have influenced internet providers’ behavior. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of broadband as an essential service, highlighting its crucial role in work, education, and healthcare, especially during the pandemic.