The Federal Communications Commission voted Thursday to implement new net neutrality rules designed to make sure Internet service providers treat all legal content equally.
The historic vote on the proposal, pitched by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, elicited hearty cheers from a wide array of technology companies and consumer groups while setting the table for lawsuits from Internet service providers. The controversial proceedings that led up to the vote generated heated lobbying in Washington and public clamor on social media, all in efforts to steer the future direction of the rules that guide Internet traffic.
"The Internet is too important to allow broadband providers to make the rules," said Wheeler to applause from the standing room-only crowd gathered before the FCC panel.
"So today after a decade of debate in an open, robust year-long process, we finally have legally sustainable rules to ensure that the Internet stays fast, fair and open," he said.
This is great news for those of us who use the internet for our livelihood.
Update: Here is a note from President Obama to the folks on Reddit for fighting the good fight for net neutrality.
This is also great news for those of us who use the internet for our learning, our enjoyment, and to visit with friends. I am really happy that the vote went this way. I do hope this is just the first of many things that go "my" way in 2015.
ReplyDeleteSo far, the veto of the XL pipeline and now the approval by the FCC to ensure that the internet remains "...fair, fast, and open."
Thanks, Obama.
DeleteBut $arah said this is going to cost us $15 Billion
ReplyDeleteScrew $arah Palin. She'd be nothing without the internet.
DeleteIf she thinks she knows so much about America and what it needs, let her run in 2016. Else, she's just an ankle-biting rabble rouser.
Love that note!
ReplyDeleteThe poor pees, they have no idea what this means (because they don't READ). They think this is another Obama conspiracy to glean their personal information. Ironically, it would be some of the poorest of them that would be stuck in the slow lane if this had passed.
ReplyDeleteYour welcome, pee people!
It is amazing how poorly informed they are.
DeleteStay vigilant. With backing from Comcast, there are still legal threats to come from Congress. If you love the internet with all its flaws and warts as it is now, don't let your guard down. Look for more attacks.
ReplyDelete"Read my lips. More Internet taxes are coming. It's just a matter of when," Commissioner Pai said.
ReplyDeleteThis is great news--public interest and free speech prevailed over corporate greed!
ReplyDeleteCheers for Pres. Obama for working hard for net neutrality and whatever part he played in making that support known to FCC Chairman Wheeler. The president's support of net neutrality was questioned by many on the left who claimed it was deceptively empty political rhetoric.
Also....John Oliver should get some cheers for his part in activating citizens to contact the FCC.
Thank you, President Obama! Appreciate your accomplishments for all of us! So glad I voted for you both times and wish I could for a third term!
ReplyDeleteI never heard Maddow, Chris Hayes, or O'Donnell (only MSNBC shows I watch) report on the FCC and net neutrality. I'm interested to see if and how they report on the new rules tonight.
ReplyDeletenote: MSNBC is owned by Comcast one of the key corporations fighting against net neutrality.
Glad to say Rachel is reporting on the FCC net neutrality ruling...now.
ReplyDeleteThe image you are requesting is no longer available.
ReplyDeleteOnly safe for now.
ReplyDeleteThe lawsuits are already being drafted.
Big Telecom won't stop until they have their way and they want to own the internet and decide what you get, how much you'll get and how much you'll pay.
They will not stop until the FCC is disbanded.
And the Supremes have given them all the tools they need to buy the next President or the one after.
Sooner or later, they'll own the net.
So don't rest on your laurels, get lazy and figure this is a done deal. It can be undone at any moment.
We must continue to be ever diligent when it comes to net neutrality.