Trends

Telecoms seek to block US reinstatement of net neutrality

OUR TAKENet neutrality ensures that internet service providers treat all data equally, preventing practices like blocking, throttling, and paid prioritisation. This can promote a fair and open internet, where small businesses and startups have an equal opportunity to reach users.–Jinny Xu, BTW repor…

Biden administration

Headline

OUR TAKENet neutrality ensures that internet service providers treat all data equally, preventing practices like blocking, throttling, and paid prioritisation. This can promote a fair and open internet, where small businesses and startups have an equal opportunity to reach…

Context

OUR TAKE Net neutrality ensures that internet service providers treat all data equally, preventing practices like blocking, throttling, and paid prioritisation. This can promote a fair and open internet, where small businesses and startups have an equal opportunity to reach users. –Jinny Xu, BTW reporter Telecom industry groups are pushing back against the Biden administration’s move to reinstate net neutrality rules, aiming to block regulations set to take effect on July 22 that would bar internet service providers from discriminating against lawful online content.

Evidence

Pending intelligence enrichment.

Analysis

In April, the Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) voted along party lines to reclaim regulatory oversight of broadband internet and reinstate the open internet rules first adopted in 2015. These rules, which had been rescinded under the Trump administration, prevent internet service providers from blocking or slowing down traffic to specific websites and from engaging in paid prioritisation of lawful content. Additionally, the rules empower the FCC to take action against Chinese telecom companies and monitor internet service outages. Also read: What are the challenges of internet governance? Also read: What is network optimisation in telecoms? In response, industry groups representing major companies like AT&T , Comcast , and Verizon have filed legal challenges in seven U.S. circuit courts. These groups, including USTelecom, NCTA, CTIA, and ACA Connects, have requested the FCC to delay the implementation of the order, allowing them to seek judicial review or obtain a court-issued order to temporarily block the new rules.

Key Points

  • Telecom industry groups are seeking to block the Biden administration’s reinstatement of net neutrality rules set to take effect on July 22.
  • In April, the FCC voted along party lines to reclaim regulatory oversight of broadband internet and reinstate the open internet rules first adopted in 2015.
  • ISPs argue that stringent regulations can stifle innovation and investment in network infrastructure.

Actions

Pending intelligence enrichment.

Author

Jinny Xu