Net Neutrality—Whose Side Are You On?

Last week, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler revealed his proposal for the strongest ever internet protections which will classify the service as a utility under US law. Wheeler’s decision was largely based on widespread support for the concept of net-neutrality; and he says that his proposal ensures that users’ rights to visit whatever sites they want are protected.

Small Businesses Support Wheeler

Startups and small businesses cheered Wheeler’s decision, as the new rules will make their websites just as accessible as big brands’ pages. One of the issues at the heart of the FCC rules is keeping the internet open and ensuring that small time bloggers have just as much bandwidth as big name sites. Without these rules, the FCC says that companies like AT&T Inc. ATT and Comcast Corp CMCSA would be able to cut a deal with certain companies and give their websites preferential treatment. 

Majority Of Users Are Also On Board

The deal has also been celebrated by the majority of internet users as many feared that without government intervention, available content would be controlled by service providers and back-end deal making.

Service Providers Say The Restrictions Are Unnecessary 

However, internet providers are biting back, saying that net neutrality can be protected without classifying the internet as a public utility. Verizon Communications VZ Senior Vice President Michael E. Glover remarked that he and his peers at Comcast and AT&T are not interested in giving preferential treatment to some content, and that the FCC could pass laws that prohibit such behavior without tacking on the additional restrictions that go along with being classed as a Title II public utility.

A Dangerous Precedent 

While the current administration and FCC say they won’t enact most of the Title II restrictions, many worry that future policymakers could do so. Wheeler’s proposal gives the government the power to control much of the industry, including price setting and regulations regarding network expansion, something service providers say would be detrimental to their businesses and also to customers. 

Did The FCC Act Alone?

Conservatives in Washington are also worried about the latest proposal, saying that it will decrease investment in upgrading networks. Some are concerned that one of the fastest growing sectors in the US will be burdened with government regulation, putting a damper on innovation. They say that Wheeler’s decision was made under pressure from the White House, as the President has expressed his own support for tougher internet regulation.

On Friday, the Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Jason Chaffetz began an investigation into whether or not the Obama administration improperly influenced the FCC decision. He has requested all internal communications between the two, which will be reviewed before the commission votes on the measure on February 26.