Should The FCC Be Stripped Of The Power To Classify The Internet As A Public Utility? (H.R. 279)

What is H.R. 279?

(Updated May 1, 2018)

This bill would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from classifying broadband services as a public utility under Title II of the Communications Act — directly challenging the FCC decision in early 2015 to reclassify the Internet as a telecommunications service instead of an information service.

The new rules don't allow the FCC to have a say in how broadband providers manage their networks with pricing or engineering decisions. However, opponents of that decision, and supporters of this bill believe that a classifying the Internet as a public utility welcomes bureaucratic federal meddling and a loss of investors. 

As a telecommunications service, the FCC has much more control over the Internet, subjecting it to the same non-discrimination, common carrier regulations as other utilities. With an "information service" classification, the FCC would have less regulatory power.

Argument in favor

To ensure a fair and open Internet, we need to keep the web out of Washington’s hands. This bill will stop bureaucratic FCC overreach.

Argument opposed

This is the opposite of net neutrality — to truly ensure an open Internet, broadband providers need to be regulated, and kept from creating pay-to-play rules.

Impact

Anyone who uses the Internet, Broadband service providers, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Cost of H.R. 279

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

Of Note: 

This is the second time Sponsoring Rep. Robert Latta (R-OH) has proposed this amendment to the Communications Act. The previous version went to Committee in May 2014, introduced to the floor, but never saw a vote.

In defense of his bill, Rep. Latta cites experts from the Progressive Policy Institute, that claim reclassifying the the web to a telecommunications service could be "disastrous for the Internet and our economy. Reclassification could add another $15 billion in user fees and taxes for consumers."

Meanwhile, the President is one of the new classification's biggest fans — specifically calling on the FCC Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler to push for the change.

Media:

Sponsoring Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) Press Release

President Obama on Net Neutrality

Huffington Post (Opposed)

Consumerist