Controversy Arises as FCC Commissioner Expresses Opposition to Net Neutrality Reinstatement
In a recent development, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has voiced his strong opposition to the idea of reinstating net neutrality regulations, which were originally implemented during the Obama administration in 2015. This comes as FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed bringing back these regulations during a National Press Club address, reigniting the heated debate surrounding the future of broadband regulation.
Net neutrality rules are designed to prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from favoring those with greater financial resources by charging extra fees for increased bandwidth, while also blocking or throttling internet traffic to specific websites. Advocates argue that these rules ensure equal processing of all internet traffic by ISPs like AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon, regardless of the content. On the other hand, critics contend that the internet flourished after the rules were repealed in 2017 and that it operated effectively without such regulations.
Commissioner Brendan Carr pointed to recent Supreme Court rulings that he believes cast doubt on the legal feasibility of reviving net neutrality rules. He further argued that pursuing this path of utility regulation for the internet would divert the FCC’s attention from more pressing matters. Carr suggested that discussions should focus on finding alternative solutions that avoid the potential negative consequences associated with regulating the internet as a utility.
Commissioner Carr’s opposition comes at a critical juncture, following the confirmation of Anna Gomez as a Democrat FCC commissioner. With Gomez’s appointment, the balance has shifted in favor of Democrat commissioners, potentially opening the door to the revival of net neutrality regulations.
Chairwoman Rosenworcel, appointed as a commissioner by President Barack Obama in 2011 and subsequently appointed chair by President Joe Biden in 2021, intends to release the full text of her proposal on Thursday. She aims to bring it to a vote in mid-October, initiating the rulemaking process.
Rosenworcel has consistently highlighted the similarity between her proposed net neutrality rules and those implemented during the Obama administration. She criticized the repeal of these rules under Republican leadership in 2017. During her National Press Club speech, she emphasized that broadband is now an essential infrastructure for modern life, particularly in light of its critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rosenworcel believes that broadband should be considered a necessity rather than a luxury.
Mr. Carr’s forceful opposition poses a significant challenge to Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s vision and underscores the division within the FCC. In May 2021, Carr defended the FCC’s decision to overturn the Obama-era net neutrality rules, citing improved internet speeds, increased investment, lower prices, heightened competition, and unmatched network resiliency since the repeal. Both sides of the net neutrality debate have made grim predictions about the consequences of their opponents’ policies.
As the FCC prepares to address the future of broadband regulation, the disagreement between Commissioners Carr and Rosenworcel highlights the complexity of this issue. The ultimate decision on net neutrality will have far-reaching implications for consumers, internet service providers, and the broader digital landscape.
