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FCC Restores Net Neutrality Regulations
As of Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made a significant decision to revive net neutrality rules that were initially dismantled in 2017 during the administration of former president Donald Trump. The concept of net neutrality emphasizes that internet service providers should uniformly handle all online traffic without discrimination, including refraining from throttling or blocking specific content for varying reasons.
The FCC’s recent vote of 3-2 in support of reinstating these regulations effectively restores the guidelines implemented in 2015 that govern the actions of telecommunication companies and explicitly prohibit the interference with legal content through blocking or throttling.
Expanded Provisions
In addition to maintaining the prevention of throttling or blocking of internet traffic, the FCC has incorporated new language to inhibit companies from favoring particular traffic. This measure is particularly crucial with the emergence of 5G technology, enabling telecommunication firms to engage in ‘network slicing’. Through this process, companies can establish numerous virtual subnetworks and elevate the priority of specific 5G clients based on their premium subscription status with the provider. The absence of a focus on this technicality in the 2015 regulations illuminates the responsiveness of the updated guidelines to contemporary technological advancements.
Furthermore, the FCC has empowered itself to intervene in cases involving foreign-owned entities that might pose a threat to national security by operating broadband networks within the United States. This regulatory authority extends to situations where network outages hinder the productivity of employees, commercial entities, or students, allowing the commission to actively address such disruptions.
Industry Response
Unsurprisingly, internet service providers are poised to challenge the reinstatement of net neutrality regulations, leveraging available legal options to combat this development. Despite this resistance, it is essential to note that broadband consumers have historically benefitted from an open internet environment, according to Jonathan Spalter, the president of USTelecom, a prominent broadband advocacy group.
Spalter conveyed to the New York Times the perspective that this issue does not significantly impact broadband consumers, given their prolonged access to an unrestricted online experience. This statement highlights the contrasting views between regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders regarding the implications and necessity of net neutrality.
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