FCC passes net neutrality order … again … for now

The FCC voted on Thursday along party lines to pass its order on Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet, restoring net neutrality and reestablishing the Commission’s Title II authority over broadband services. The vote was taken at the FCC’s open meeting for the month of April.

Commissioners shared statements – of varying lengths – ahead of the vote.

“Broadband is now an essential service. Essential services, the ones we count on in every aspect of modern life, have some basic oversight. So let’s be clear about what we are doing today. This agency, the nation’s leading communications authority, believes every consumer deserves Internet access that is fast, open and fair. That is why we determine that the Federal Communications Commission should be able to assist consumers and take action when it comes to the most important communications of our time. And that’s broadband. This is common sense,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.

Conversely, a vocal opponent of the order, Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr offered a different take [ed. note: during a nearly 35-minute diatribe in which he somehow managed to mention Hunter Biden’s laptop].

“Today’s order is not about correcting a market failure. Broadband access is more vibrant and competitive than ever, no matter how you slice the reams of data,” said Carr. “Will ISPs invest as intensely when the rules of the road are opaque, when business choices can be second guessed without notice, when regulators reserve the right to dictate the rate of return or when upgrades and innovations require more and more paperwork and approvals? Uncertainty riddles every aspect of this order … I’m confident that we will right the ship, and I’m certain that the courts will overturn this unlawful power grab.”

The order passed on party lines – cueing applause from the smattering of activists in the room – with the Commission’s three Democrats voting in favor and two Republicans dissenting.

Industry reactions

The vote drew expected reactions from industry and consumer groups. Those in favor of the ruling celebrated, while still expressing dissatisfaction with a few “shortcomings” of the order.

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