Net Neutrality Needs The US Congress To Save It From The FCC

 

Seal of the United States Congress

 

  The FCC had been on board with Net Neutrality and keeping the Internet fairly free and open to all who create and use its content but that has changed with the appointment of Ajit Pai as chairman of the FCC. Pai has effectively killed Net Neutrality by ensuring the FCC voted to rescind what it had previously put in place to protect Net Neutrality under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. This is a critical fact in that under Title II the Internet would have protection from certain entities (ISPs) "mak[ing] any unjust or unreasonable discrimination in charges, practices, classifications, regulations, facilities, or services" (Wikipedia). Pai has said that he "was committed to a free and open Internet and that it was not the FCC's role to determine net neutrality" (Wikipedia). On the other hand he voted against the FCC's 2015 Open Internet Order - which enabled Title II protection for Net Neutrality - and then later voted to kill it when appointed chairman of the FCC. How in the world does this mean he is committed to a free and open Internet? Any logical person would have left it alone if they were committed to a free and open Internet. The only way this travesty can be reversed it with LAW, which means Net Neutrality needs the US Congress to save it from the FCC.

 

 

  As it stands right now there may be only one more vote needed to pass the CRA (A legislative tool called the Congressional Review Act) for Net neutrality in the US Senate. According to The Hill Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) stated “With full caucus support, it’s clear that Democrats are committed to fighting to keep the internet from becoming the Wild West where ISPs are free to offer premium service to only the wealthiest customers while average consumers are left with far inferior options.” And he added “When we force a vote on this bill, Republicans in Congress will — for the first time — have the opportunity to right the administration’s wrong and show the American people whose side they’re on: big ISPs and major corporations or consumers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.” This is what defines a free and open Internet and without protection under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934 Net Neutrality essentially disappears and ISPs would then proceed nearly any way they see fit, regardless of what the American consumer knows is better for them.

 

  Whereas the big ISPs post billions in profits every year the argument that keeping Net neutrality in place restricts their ability to invest in research and development is hardly viable. The fact is they have the money, they have tax laws on their side in that regard and removing Net neutrality protection under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934 would simply raise their profit margin at the cost of the consumer who would be getting less service at the same time. THIS is unAmerican and the vast majority of Americans do NOT want it. Do you want it? Don't think so, no more than I do. SO do like I did and contact your government reps at the Contact Your Member Of Congress link below and do read more about Aiit Pai and the proposed Congressional Review Act as well. We and the US Congress can keep Net Neutrality alive but it requires action!

 

The Hill: One Vote Needed In The Senate

 

Wikipedia Ajit Pai Page

 

Contact Your Member Of Congress

 

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