President Obama on Thursday praised the decision by the Federal Communications Commission to adopt new rules on net neutrality, which largely mirrored his own plan for regulating the Internet.
“Today’s FCC decision will protect innovation and create a level playing field for the next generation of entrepreneurs — and it wouldn’t have happened without Americans like you,” Obama said in a message posted on the White House website.
“More than 4 million people wrote in to the FCC, overwhelmingly in support of a free and fair Internet. Countless others spoke out on social media, petitioned their government and stood up for what they believe.”
Earlier Thursday, the FCC voted along party lines to enact net neutrality standards that supporters contend will preserve an open Internet. Critics insist they will stifle innovation.
The vote is a major victory for Obama, who pressed the independent agency in November to act on net neutrality. Many observers say that FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler would not have pushed such a plan without the lobbying from the White House.
Conservatives argue that Obama overstepped his authority, politicizing a process that should be left up to the regulators.
Regardless, the ruling Thursday fundamentally overhauls the rules for Internet service providers, reclassifying broadband under Title II of the 1934 Communications Act.
However, service providers are expected to challenge the decision in court, which could put the implementation of the plan on hold.
