Setting the record straight on a network neutrality fact check

In January, the Washington Post’s Fact Checker was critical of claims by opponents of a then-pending Federal Communications Commission rule change on Internet regulation. The Fact Checker awarded Three Pinocchios to widely-cited claims that the FCC reclassification would cost $15 billion a year in new taxes and fees. Since the fact check published, some network neutrality proponents misquoted it on social media, either attributing the Pinocchios to the study by the Progressive Policy Institute or to the $11 billion figure. Most recently, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler misused the fact check during a House Appropriations Committee budget hearing on March 24, 2015.

On Feb. 26, 2015, the FCC voted to reclassify Internet service. The cost impact remains to be seen. Some state and local government leaders may decide to levy fees, and the FCC may decide to extend federal fees. A recent calculation placed additional annual costs at $6.25 billion. We will continue to monitor the issue. For now, however, we caution everyone commenting on net neutrality to check the facts, and beware of the myriad unknowns. The Fact Checker certainly does not appreciate being misquoted.