It's Official, FCC Reclassifies Broadband Internet Under Title II

[[Coi] Mr.CLuBBeR]

A new era for net neutrality

As seemed destined to happen, the Federal Communications Commission voted today to reclassify broadband Internet service as a public utility, thus giving the FCC the power it sought to implement strict net neutrality rules. The new rules were approved in a 3-to-2 vote and also apply to mobile Internet service, though the war isn't over just yet -- opponents of the Title II classification are sure to mount a legal challenge, and though it's an uphill battle, they may have an easier time convincing a court to issue a stay on the new rules.
Under the new rules, ISPs will not be allowed to implement paid fast lanes, block access to legal content or services, or throttle speeds unless it's for "reasonable network management," such as upgrades to the infrastructure.
"Today, the Commission -- once and for all -- enacts strong, sustainable rules, grounded in multiple sources of legal authority, to ensure that Americans reap the economic, social, and civic benefits of an Open Internet today and into the future," the FCC said in a statement. "These new rules are guided by three principles: America’s broadband networks must be fast, fair and open—principles shared by the overwhelming majority of the nearly 4 million commenters who participated in the FCC’s Open Internet proceeding."
According to a report in The New York Times, each of the five commissioners took turns speaking before the vote, with Republicans making clear their opposition.
"The Internet is not broken. There is no problem to solve," said Republican commissioner Ajit Pai.
Verizon was also quick to respond in a Twitter post saying, "The FCC's Throwback Thursday vote on Net Neutrality brought 1930s regulations to the 21st century Internet," along with link to a statement in morse code to drive the point home. The statement in English can be read here (PDF).
The new rules adopt only parts of Title II while ignoring others. For example, the FCC will not involve itself in pricing decisions or in how ISPs decide to manage their networks from an engineering standpoint. As such, FCC chairman Tom Wheeler considers this a modern adaptation of Title II.
"These are a 21st century set of rules for a 21st century industry," Wheeler said.
Image Credit: Flickr (Mike Licht)
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