FCC Commissioner Pai: Group 'independent' of White House wishes

The Federal Communications Commission must make decisions on open Internet rules independent of President Barack Obama, said FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai.

He said "it is unclear" if FCC commissioners will follow Obama's call to use stricter regulations to govern broadband Internet like a utility, similar to traditional telephone service. "That is a terrific question, because the FCC is not an executive branch agency, like say, the Department of Justice or the Department of Defense," he said. "We are an independent agency, and that means we make our decision based not on political considerations, but on the facts that are in the record and on the laws set forth by Congress. That is a really important decision that we have to make, and we should make it independently," he added. The two Republicans on the commission are expected to vote against any proposal, though Commissioner Pai said it is too early to say since he has not seen a specific plan. "I certainly think my focus in this proceeding will be, and I dare say the FCC's focus should be, on what will best promote broadband investment and innovation," he said.