FCC denies GOP request for early release of network neutrality rules

The Federal Communications Commission will not publicly release open Internet regulations before they are voted on on Feb 26.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler formally denied a request from congressional Republicans to release the text of those network neutrality rules when they are circulated among the commissioners. Releasing the draft rules early “runs contrary” to past FCC procedure under Democratic and Republican leadership, Chairman Wheeler asserted.

“If decades of precedent are to be changed, then there must be an opportunity for thoughtful review in the lead up to any change,” Chairman Wheeler wrote in the letter to Senate Commerce Chairman John Thune (R-SD), House Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and House Communications and Technology subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR).