FCC votes to restore net neutrality – what that could mean for your internet speed

Related video: Lawmakers looking to extend internet aid

(WJET/WFXP) — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to restore net neutrality in a vote of 3-2 Thursday.

This decision reclassifies the broadband internet as a Title 2 common carrier service, bringing it under the control of the FCC.

The Obama-era rules also prevent providers from throttling, or slowing down internet traffic to sites that don't pay a fee.

"The pandemic proved once and for all that broadband is essential," FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said Thursday. "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."

During the hearing, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr delivered a fiery dissent lasting over 30 minutes explaining the history and how net neutrality came into existence. He slammed the over 400-page order calling it a "power grab," and arguing that there have been positive results and a lack of negative consequences since net neutrality was rolled back.

Others, such as FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, applauded the decision as a return to well-established policy. Starks also called for financial support to keep the Affordability Connectivity Program (ACP) running. Created during the pandemic when children without reliable home internet were seen doing school work outside of fast food restaurants, the ACP provides internet subsidies for consumers with low incomes. Unless Congress finds additional funding, ACP subsidies will run out after May, 2024.

Net neutrality regulations were originally instituted back in 2015 during the Obama Administration, but reversed two year laters by a party line vote during the Trump administration. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, who oversaw the rollback of the rules, was met with harsh criticism that followed him until he left office in 2021.

Net neutrality served as a national standard and without it, there are no rules that prevent broadband providers from artificially slowing or blocking access to the internet.

The FCC will once again play a key role in preventing broadband providers from blocking, slowing down or creating pay-to-play internet fast lanes. It also enables the FCC to provide oversight of broadband outages and, in turn, bolster its authority over service providers to address the outages.

With the new oversight the regulations will provide, proponents say the FCC will be able to better monitor and respond to the growing national security threat of cyberattacks, which have recently struck major companies, health systems and local governments in the last year.

The reinstated rules will go into effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.