WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission will vote this week on a net neutrality proposal that could shape the future of a free and open Internet. Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, one of the people who will decide the fate of that proposal, elaborated on Tuesday about her views on the issue.
Earlier this month, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler released a proposal to reclassify consumer broadband as a utility under Title II of the Communications Act. This move will allow the FCC to bar Internet Service Providers from charging content providers such as Netflix more for reliable Internet access. The debate pits telecom and cable companies against consumers, with consumer advocates arguing that weak net neutrality rules will undermine fair and equal Internet access.
The FCC’s four commissioners, along with Wheeler, will vote on the proposal on Thursday. The proposal is expected to pass the commission, which has a Democratic majority constituted of Wheeler, Clyburn and Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. However, net neutrality advocates are watching to see whether the final draft includes any loopholes for telecom and cable companies.
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Former FCC Commissioner Michael Copps told reporters on Tuesday that he was hopeful that strong net neutrality regulations would pass. Although the FCC’s decision will be challenged “by entrenched interests,” he said, “in the end, given the justice behind it, and the promise ahead of it … this decision will stand.”
“Without [basic] and totally reasonable rules the Internet will become fast lanes for the favored few, the rest of us be damned,” he added.
