Ajit Pai, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has announced today that the FCC will vote to roll back net neutrality rules that require internet providers to treat all web traffic equally.
In a statement, Pai blasted the Obama-era rules as “heavy-handed and utility style” regulations of the internet. “Today, I have shared with my colleagues a draft order that would abandon this failed approach and return to the longstanding consensus that served consumers well for decades,” Pai said. “Under my proposal, the federal government will stop micromanaging the Internet.”
The full text of Pai’s plan will be released to the public on Wednesday. The commission will vote on the proposal December 14th. The bill is expected to pass.
This announcement is a big win for internet service providers who have suffered under the current net neutrality rules. “Today’s action will provide tremendous opportunity for American broadband consumers, no matter where they live,” said Jonathan Spalter, CEO of the trade group USTelecom. “The removal of antiquated, restrictive regulations will pave the way for broadband network investment, expansion and upgrades.”