FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler believes both mobile and wired networks need to be regulated as utilities.
In an opinion piece published by Wired, Wheeler outlined the broad strokes of his plan, which he believes will protect consumers and still promote investment in broadband.
“I am proposing that the FCC use its Title II authority to implement and enforce open internet protections,” wrote Wheeler. “Using this authority, I am submitting to my colleagues the strongest open internet protections ever proposed by the FCC. These enforceable, bright-line rules will ban paid prioritization, and the blocking and throttling of lawful content and services. I propose to fully apply—for the first time ever—those bright-line rules to mobile broadband. My proposal assures the rights of internet users to go where they want, when they want, and the rights of innovators to introduce new products without asking anyone’s permission.”
Wheeler said his proposal will modernize Title II and make it work in the 21st century. “There will be no rate regulation, no tariffs, no last-mile unbundling,” said Wheeler. Wheeler believes the FCC has the power to do this, and can still create an environment encouraging enough to spur investment in new networks.
“The internet must be fast, fair and open. That is the message I’ve heard from consumers and innovators across this nation. That is the principle that has enabled the internet to become an unprecedented platform for innovation and human expression. The proposal I present to the commission will ensure the internet remains open, now and in the future, for all Americans.”
Wheeler will give the proposal to his fellow commissioners this week, with a vote expected during the FCC’s open meeting on Feb. 26. Lawmakers and broadband companies are already preparing to fight the new rules. The FCC expects to wade through legal challenges before the rules are finalized and put in place.
