Sen Markey: Net Neutrality Bill Is Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

Sen Ed Markey (D-MA) provided early warning of the difficulty Republicans will have in getting Democrats to sign on to their proposed network neutrality bill.

Beyond not reclassifying Internet access under Title II, Sen Markey said the proposed bill would be a "giveaway" to big broadband companies that would hurt consumers and not do much to protect an open Internet besides. “Democrats and Republicans both agree on the need for net neutrality protections, but this Republican proposal should be called the Big Broadband Baron Act. It is a legislative wolf in sheep’s clothing, offering select few safeguards while undermining basic consumer, privacy and accessibility protections. It would harm low-income, disabled, senior and rural consumers, and undermine competition in the telecommunications marketplace." He added, “Rather than pursuing this damaging legislative proposal, the FCC should use the clear authority granted them by Congress to vote on strong net neutrality rules in February and reclassify broadband under Title II. The future of the Internet as we know it depends on it.”