FCC Adopts Net Neutrality Rules

February 27, 2015

On Feb. 26, 2015 the U.S. Federal Communications Commission approved a new set of rules for how Internet Service Providers (ISPs) manage internet traffic and access. The issue at stake is whether ISPs qualify as a “telecommunications service” under Title II of the Communications Act – the same statute used to regulate other public utilities, such as telephone carriers. The FCC ruled in the affirmative, that the internet is in the same category as a public utility, albeit with some exemptions. This designation gives the FCC the authority to regulate unscrupulous network degradation practices and other discriminatory actions, on both home and smartphones connections. While the FCC’s decision is historic, the issue is expected to be reviewed by the courts and details of regulatory implementation and oversight will be forthcoming. Please visit the FCC website for additional information.