A new bill proposed by Marsha Blackburn, a Republican representative from Tennessee, aims to “fix” net neutrality with a number of provisions.
For example, the A new bill proposed by Marsha Blackburn, a Republican representative from Tennessee, aims to “fix” net neutrality with a number of provisions. For example, the Open Internet Preservation Act proposes that there should be no blocking and no throttling of web traffic. At the same time, the bill would make it possible for internet providers to create paid prioritization schemes in order to foster fast lanes. Moreover, the bill defines broadband as an information service and not a utility, something that would prevent it from being regulated more tightly under Title II.
“This legislation is simple, it provides light-touch regulation so companies can invest and innovate, and make sure our internet is up to 21st century standards,” said Blackburn.
The Republican-led FCC recently voted to rescind the net neutrality laws that were put in place during the Obama administration. proposes that there should be no blocking and no throttling of web traffic. At the same time, the bill would make it possible for internet providers to create paid prioritization schemes in order to foster fast lanes.
Moreover, the bill defines broadband as an information service and not a utility, something that would prevent it from being regulated more tightly under Title II.
Joshua Stager, Policy Counsel at New America’s Open Technology Institute mailed ToT the following::
“Congresswoman Blackburn’s bill would only make things worse for consumers, small businesses, and internet freedom. Rather than meaningfully restore online protections, the bill is riddled with loopholes for companies like AT&T and Comcast. It also steamrolls the FCC, state governments, and municipalities by stripping them of their authority to protect consumers from future harms. This power grab is unacceptable.
Any bill that completely ignores interconnection abuse and paid prioritization is not a serious legislative effort. Rather, this looks like an even weaker version of a 2015 bill (PDF) that Rep. Upton (R-Mich.) and Sen. Thune (R-S.D.) drafted. For any serious supporter of net neutrality, this bill is dead on arrival.”
The Republican-led FCC recently voted to rescind the net neutrality laws that were put in place during the Obama administration.
