FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Proposes to Restore Net Neutrality Rules to Re-Establish the FCC's Authority Over Broadband Providers Under Title II

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed that the FCC take the first procedural steps toward reaffirming rules that would treat broadband internet service as an essential service for American life. As work, healthcare, education, commerce, and so much more have moved online, no American household or business should need to function without reliable internet service. This was especially true during the pandemic. Such rules would affirm—under Title II of the Communications Act—that broadband service is on par with water, power, and phone service; that is: essential. The proposed rules would return fixed and mobile broadband service to its status as an essential “telecommunications” service. The proposal will be made public and will allow for public input. The proposal seeks to largely return to the successful rules the FCC adopted in 2015. The Chairwoman shared with her colleagues a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. If adopted by a vote of the full FCC at its monthly meeting on October 19, 2023, the agency will begin a new rulemaking to take public comment and reply comments on the proposal. Any person or organization can file comments and see others’ comments at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs. After a review of that public record, the Chairwoman can decide whether and how to proceed, including adopting final rules which would also require a majority vote of the bipartisan FCC.