Net Neutrality Gets FCC Vote as Cable Pledges Good Behavior
- FCC under Republican Pai moving to dismantle Obama-era rules
- Change attracts John Oliver remarks and 1 million comments
FCC's Pai Says Net Neutrality Rules Cause Uncertainty
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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission plans a preliminary vote Thursday on dismantling Obama-era net neutrality rules, a change supported by broadband providers who say they won’t impede internet service and opposed by web companies that fear barriers to reaching customers.
The vote is a first step in Republican Chairman Ajit Pai’s plan to replace rules passed in 2015 by FCC Democrats. Pai would remove strong utility-style legal authority that critics say over-regulates telephone and cable providers, and that defenders say is needed to enforce fair treatment of web traffic. The action begins months of consideration leading to a second, conclusive vote.