The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Jenn Ettinger, 202-265-1490 x 35

FCC Delays Rulemaking on Net Neutrality Again

Free Press: FCC Needs to Take Action to Restore Its Authority, Not Ask More Questions

WASHINGTON

Today, the Federal Communications Commission announced it would seek
further public comment in its rulemaking on Net Neutrality to further
explore issues related to managed services and mobile broadband.

Free Press Research Director S. Derek Turner made the following statement:

"The FCC continues to kick the can down the road and prolong this
process, but the longer the FCC ponders the politics of Net Neutrality,
the longer consumers are left unprotected. It is time for the FCC to
stop writing notices and start making clear rules of the road. The phone
and cable companies have shown us what the Internet will look like if
they are allowed to write their own rules and build a two-tiered
Internet with fast and slow lanes and zero protections on mobile
broadband. We don't need more questions from the FCC, we need more
answers."

"Today's announcement does nothing to change what the FCC must do
next. The crucial first step for the agency is to reassert its authority
and reclassify broadband access services under Title II of the
Communications Act. This must happen before any Net Neutrality rules can
be finalized. This is the only way the Commission can fully protect the
open Internet and free speech online."

Free Press was created to give people a voice in the crucial decisions that shape our media. We believe that positive social change, racial justice and meaningful engagement in public life require equitable access to technology, diverse and independent ownership of media platforms, and journalism that holds leaders accountable and tells people what's actually happening in their communities.

(202) 265-1490