John

The Energy & Commerce Committee held a hearing today about the FCC’s plans to reclassify broadband to a Title II service and reinstate net neutrality protections for internet users.¹ Some members of the committee are trying to scare the FCC away from their net neutrality plans. These committee members are in the pocket of Big Telecom and are looking out for those companies’ bottom lines instead of the real people who would benefit from internet protections. It’s more important than ever for you to take action and tell the FCC: I want net neutrality.

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Since the confirmation of FCC commissioner Anna Gomez in September, the FCC is fully staffed for the first time since Biden took office. They have been moving fast to fulfill the administration’s promise to restore net neutrality, which was reversed by Trump FCC Chair Ajit Pai in 2017.

Today’s hearing, titled “Oversight of President Biden’s Broadband Takeover,” addressed the FCC’s plan to reclassify broadband access as a Title II telecommunications service. This would give the FCC greater authority to regulate the industry and restore net neutrality.

In her testimony, Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said, “We know that every consumer should be able to go where they want and do what they want online without their broadband provider engaging in throttling, blocking or paid prioritization. And every consumer deserves broadband that is fast, open, and fair.” ²

This is exactly right!

But the Energy & Commerce Committee has stated that this is a “solution in search of a problem.” ³ This is the same language used by lobbyists and PR consultants working on behalf of Big Telecom companies. They have proven they will stop at nothing to stay unregulated.⁴

You can submit a comment right now to support the FCC and make sure this hearing doesn’t slow down their plans to reinstate net neutrality. On Battle for the Net, we’ve made it easy to file a comment and to let Congress know that you want net neutrality.

Can you help flood the FCC with comments today to reaffirm support for net neutrality?

Submit a comment

Let’s finally secure an internet that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.  

Together,

Hally at ❤️ FFTF

Footnotes:

1. Energy & Commerce Committee: https://energycommerce.house.gov/events/communications-and-technology-subcommittee-hearing-oversight-of-president-biden-s-broadband-takeover

2. Statement of Jessica Rosenworcel: https://d1dth6e84htgma.cloudfront.net/11_30_23_Rosenworcel_Testimony_234c52ebe8.pdf

3. Hearing memo: https://d1dth6e84htgma.cloudfront.net/11_30_23_FCC_Oversight_Hearing_Memo_0ea890396d.pdf

4. Fast Company: https://www.fastcompany.com/90962872/anti-net-neutrality-astroturf