FCC to Take Final Vote to Reinstate Net Neutrality This Month

WASHINGTON—The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) will vote this month on returning to net neutrality regulations, which would require the nation's internet service providers to be regulated like public utilities to ensure broad speed equity and content accessibility.  “The pandemic proved once and for all that broadband is essential,” said FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel in an April 3 press statement. “After the prior administration abdicated authority over broadband services, the FCC has been handcuffed from acting to fully secure broadband networks, protect consumer data, and ensure the internet remains fast, open, and fair," the chair said. The FCC is currently controlled by Democrats over Republicans, 3-2, and will undo the net neutrality repeal adopted by the administration of former President Donald Trump and Trump's FCC chair, Ajit Pai.  "A return to the FCC’s overwhelmingly popular and court-approved standard of net neutrality will allow the agency to serve once again as a strong consumer advocate of an open internet," Rosenworcel added. The vote will take place on April 25 at the FCC open meeting. Adult industry advocacy group the Free Speech Coalition has previously campaigned to support net neutrality rules.