Should The FCC Be Stripped Of The Power To Classify The Internet As A Public Utility? (H.R. 279)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 279?
(Updated May 1, 2018)
This bill would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from classifying broadband services as a public utility under Title II of the Communications Act — directly challenging the FCC decision in early 2015 to reclassify the Internet as a telecommunications service instead of an information service.
The new rules don't allow the FCC to have a say in how broadband providers manage their networks with pricing or engineering decisions. However, opponents of that decision, and supporters of this bill believe that a classifying the Internet as a public utility welcomes bureaucratic federal meddling and a loss of investors.
As a telecommunications service, the FCC has much more control over the Internet, subjecting it to the same non-discrimination, common carrier regulations as other utilities. With an "information service" classification, the FCC would have less regulatory power.
Argument in favor
To ensure a fair and open Internet, we need to keep the web out of Washington’s hands. This bill will stop bureaucratic FCC overreach.
Argument opposed
This is the opposite of net neutrality — to truly ensure an open Internet, broadband providers need to be regulated, and kept from creating pay-to-play rules.
Impact
Anyone who uses the Internet, Broadband service providers, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Cost of H.R. 279
A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.
Additional Info
Of Note:
This is the second time Sponsoring Rep. Robert Latta (R-OH) has proposed this amendment to the Communications Act. The previous version went to Committee in May 2014, introduced to the floor, but never saw a vote.
In defense of his bill, Rep. Latta cites experts from the Progressive Policy Institute, that claim reclassifying the the web to a telecommunications service could be "disastrous for the Internet and our economy. Reclassification could add another $15 billion in user fees and taxes for consumers."
Meanwhile, the President is one of the new classification's biggest fans — specifically calling on the FCC Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler to push for the change.
Media:
Sponsoring Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) Press Release
President Obama on Net Neutrality
Huffington Post (Opposed)
Summary by Ryan McCauley
(Photo Credit: Flickr user x-ray delta one)
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