OTI Commends FCC Vote to Pursue Restoration of Its Authority to Protect the Open Internet

Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took an important step towards safeguarding quality internet access for Americans by voting to begin reclassification of broadband internet access as a “telecommunications service” under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934 and restoring its authority over internet service providers (ISPs). The FCC should be able to hold ISPs accountable and protect consumers while ensuring that the internet remains open to all voices—powers enabled by Title II, and which it previously held under the 2015 Open Internet Order.

The following quote can be attributed to Raza Panjwani, Senior Policy Counsel at New America’s Open Technology Institute:

“Americans deserve better internet access—access that is not just fast and open, but also resilient, affordable, and accessible to everyone. That reliable high speed internet access is a vital service is beyond question at this point—to the point that we are investing billions of dollars to ensure every American is connected. So it defies belief that there wouldn’t be an agency performing oversight and ensuring such a critical service serves the needs of Americans.

“Restoring the FCC’s Title II authority will empower the commission not just to enforce fundamental open internet protections like blocking and throttling prohibitions, but also to address roadblocks to deploying broadband infrastructure, require reporting about network performance and resiliency, keep Americans connected during public emergencies, and tackle issues ranging from cybersecurity and privacy to public safety.

“The FCC’s authority to reclassify broadband internet access services under Title II and to exercise meaningful oversight with enforceable rules has been extensively litigated and is well-settled under the law.

“We look forward to working with the FCC to make it happen.”