Chairman Wheeler's Response to Members of Congress Regarding Open Internet

On December 9, 2014, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler responded to a letter from Sen Bernard Sanders (I-VT) regarding the open Internet, saying he is committed to moving with dispatch to reinstate strong, enforceable rules in order to safeguard consumers and further promote investment and innovation, and that Sen Sanders' comments and the 40,000 comments the Senator received will be included in the record of the proceeding.

Chairman Wheeler also responded to Rep Goodlatte, who expressed opposition to the FCC issuing Open Internet rules and stated that application of antitrust laws would better achieve network neutrality principles. Chairman Wheeler agreed in rigorous application of antitrust laws, but acknowledged that FCC oversight his essential to protect the openness that is critical to the Internet's success, and that Open Internet rules can work in tandem with antitrust law.

Also on Dec. 9, Chairman Wheeler responded to members of the Senate Commerce Committee and House Communications and Technology Subcommittee on concerns over the reclassification of broadband under Title II of the Communications Act. Chairman Wheeler reiterated his promise that in the process of how best to reinstate rules to protect consumers and innovators that all options would be on the table in order to identify the best legal approach to keeping the Internet open.

Finally, on Dec. 9, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler responded to Rep Gene Green (D-TX), who urged the FCC to regulate broadband Internet under Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act. Chairman Wheeler responded by reiterating his promise that in the process of how best to reinstate open Internet rules to protect consumers and innovators that all options would be on the table in order to identify the best legal approach to keeping the Internet open.