Net neutrality

Dear Ms. R, Thank you for contacting me about open access to the internet, also known as “net neutrality.” I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue. Over the last decade, skyrocketing demand for both mobile and fixed internet access and content services has made it more difficult for internet service providers (ISPs) to manage network traffic. In parallel, the market for broadband has grown increasingly concentrated and a number of ISPs have acquired companies that directly compete with other downstream content providers. These developments have furthered a policy debate over appropriate network management practices and fears that ISPs may choose to block or degrade service to products and services offered by competitors, or that ISPs may provide better service only to select companies, or for a fee. On February 26, 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 to approve new open internet rules. The adopted rules reclassified broadband internet access as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act and applied to both fixed and wireless internet providers. Under the rules, the practices of blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization - also known as "fast lanes" - were prohibited. A number of additional provisions were included in the rules that dealt with transparency, interconnection agreements, network management, and regulatory forbearance, among other things. On June 14, 2016, the D.C. Circuit upheld the FCC’s open internet rules by a vote of 2-1. Following the reclassification of broadband internet access under Title II, the FCC adopted Broadband Consumer Privacy rules on October 27, 2016. In addition to establishing standards for data breach and cybersecurity, the rules set limits on the collection and use of user data by ISPs. In March 2017, Republicans in the House and Senate voted on a party-line basis to dismantle the Broadband Consumer Privacy rules using the Congressional Review Act. I opposed this effort and voted against legislation to roll back those privacy protections. On April 27, 2017, President Donald Trump’s newly-designated FCC Chairman, Ajit Pai, released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to eliminate the open internet rules. The FCC voted to advance Chairman Pai's proposal by a vote of 2-1 on May 18, 2017. On November 21, 2017, the FCC released its final plan to reverse the classification of broadband as a common carriage service. Concerningly, the plan would not retain any of the longstanding open internet principles that have been supported by both Republican and Democratic administrations since 2005. On December 4, 2017, I sent a letter to Chairman Pai urging him to delay the planned vote on his proposal until an investigation could be completed into reports that internet “bots” – automated computer programs designed to pose as people – filed hundreds of thousands of comments to the FCC during the net neutrality policymaking process. Unfortunately, the FCC chose to proceed with the vote on December 14, 2017. By a vote of 3-2, the FCC chose to adopt Chairman Pai’s proposal and dismantle the net neutrality protections implemented during the Obama Administration. This decision is currently being challenged in court. It is important to me that the free and open nature of the internet is preserved so that it can continue to be a vehicle for growth and innovation. As the co-founder of a major wireless telecommunications company, I also understand that it is important to create an environment that encourages broadband deployment. I support policies that allow for an open internet, subject to reasonable network management to meet the needs of all users. Congress will continue to debate legislative options, and I will certainly keep your thoughts in mind if the Senate considers related legislation in the future. Again, thank you for contacting me. For further information or to sign up for my newsletter please visit my website at https://www.warner.senate.gov. Sincerely, MARK R. WARNER United States Senator

well shit i know who im voting for Keep Up With Tim 12.20.17 FCC Vote on Net Neutrality Dear Friend, Last week, the FCC rolled back net neutrality rules, ignoring calls from my Senate colleagues and I asking them to stop any effort that would prioritize huge internet service providers over consumers like you. They have also ignored the vast majority of Americans who want a free and open internet. This is a major step backwards by the Trump Administration. Now, these telecomm companies will be able to control the speed of the online content you look at based on how much they get paid and charge you more for certain content. That is just plain wrong, and I’ve joined a Senate Congressional Review Act resolution that would reverse the FCC’s ruling. The internet has to remain an engine of innovation and investment to grow our economy and help people get ahead. I hope you’ll join me by continuing to speak out against President Trump’s attack on net neutrality. Sincerely, Signature of Senator Tim Kaine Senator Tim Kaine

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