Pallone and Matsui Applaud FCC for Restoring the Agency’s Oversight Authority Over Broadband Internet
The FCC’s Final Rule Reclassifies Broadband as a Telecommunications Service Under the Communications Act
Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Ranking Member Doris Matsui (D-CA) released the following statement today supporting the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) circulation of a final rule to reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act, setting up a return to net neutrality and the FCC’s oversight of broadband internet:
“We applaud Chairwoman Rosenworcel and the FCC for moving to finalize rules that reflect reality: broadband internet service is critical infrastructure and an indispensable part of American life, and it must be treated that way. Across the country, families depend on internet service to connect with friends and family, pay bills, apply for jobs, get an education, see their doctor, and shop for household items. These essential functions have made internet service an absolute necessity. By reclassifying broadband internet under Title II, the FCC is recognizing this reality and asserting its rightful authority over broadband providers in order to protect this vital service and the hundreds of millions who rely on it each day.
“This action will allow the agency to protect our national security, improve network resiliency, ensure reliable service quality, expand internet access, and end anti-competitive practices. It will also finally allow the FCC to protect Americans from unjust provider practices and address the tens of thousands of consumer complaints it receives about internet service providers each year.
“This is a historic and necessary step toward protecting Americans and their access to one of our most foundational communications services. We have confidence that a court reviewing this action will uphold it, just as courts have done in the past. We strongly urge all of the Commissioners to support this rule and reestablish the agency’s authority over broadband internet service.”
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