This bill would exempt small broadband internet service providers with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from complying with transparency requirements imposed by the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Open Internet Order for five years. Providers would also be exempt if they have fewer than 1,500 employees.

Under current law, providers with fewer than 100,000 subscribers are exempt from the regulations until December 16, 2016 when the FCC will finalize the reporting requirements for those providers. Among the information that is required to be reported is detailed network performance data, and fees to consumers or other services that use the internet.

The Open Internet Order (aka "net neutrality") requires people who are involved in providing broadband internet to disclose publicly disclose information about network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of its services to:

• Help consumers make informed decisions regarding their use;

• Enable content, application, service, and device providers to develop, market, and maintain internet offerings.

The FCC would be required to report to relevant congressional committees within 180 days of this bill’s enactment any recommendations and supporting data about whether:

• The exception should be made permanent;

• The definition of “small business” should be changed for this purpose.