Net neutrality isn’t dead. Here’s what the FCC really did

Published December 15, 2017 3:34pm ET



In a 3-2 vote on Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission adopted the new open Internet proposal that rolled back the 2015 Title II regulatory regime. While opponents have gone to hysterical lengths to misrepresent and denigrate the FCC’s proposal, the future for the Internet has never been brighter.

What happened at the FCC has been called “net neutrality repeal,” which is not quite right. The 2015 rules installed by the Obama FCC reclassified Internet services under Title II of the Telecommunications Act of 1934, installing an archaic set of rules for a medium that didn’t exist and wasn’t even foreseen in 1934. For most of the Internet’s existence, the principles of net neutrality have been adhered to without the Title II regulatory regime. This week hasn’t changed that.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.