FCC must protect Internet users, net neutrality

[Commentary] Internet users felt a cold, raw wind when already scant consumer and free-speech protections were stripped away by a federal Court of Appeals ruling. Do not blame the judges for the demise of net neutrality, which compels, as the court notes, broadband providers to treat all Internet traffic the same, regardless of source. Responsibility for exposing broadband users to the whims of Internet service providers falls directly on the Federal Communications Commission.

The FCC has the power and authority, and continuing opportunity, to regulate Internet service providers as common carriers. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said the court was right about its challenge of FCC Open Internet rules. He said he was committed to keeping the Internet a free and open platform. All options were open, Chairman Wheeler said, including appeal. Don’t bother. Start over. Include Internet service providers in the statutory realm of common carriers. Treat Internet traffic the same as phone service. Preclude predictable efforts by the broadband industry to interfere with service speeds, content and access, and to drive up rates.