Reinstating previous net neutrality rules (overturned during the Trump administration in 2017) has been a part of President Joe Biden’s agenda for several years. However, until the recent appointment of Gomez, the FCC was in a deadlock, leaving this goal in limbo until now.
The FCC contends that reclassification would provide it with more authority to “safeguard national security, advance public safety, protect consumers, and facilitate broadband deployment.” The agency also aims to “reestablish a uniform, national regulatory approach to protect the open internet” and prevent ISPs from engaging in practices detrimental to consumers.
The next step involves the FCC seeking public input and feedback on the proposal, allowing stakeholders, including internet service providers, to express their views. After a thorough review and the potential incorporation of feedback, the FCC is anticipated to issue a final rule regarding the reclassification of broadband internet access. The Electronic Frontier Foundation suggests that this could mean the restoration of net neutrality protections as early as next spring.
