Background
In 2015, the FCC adopted rules that classified broadband internet as a common carrier service. This classification gave the FCC the authority to regulate ISPs, including the ability to enforce net neutrality rules.
The FCC's net neutrality rules prohibited ISPs from blocking, throttling, or discriminating against certain types of internet traffic. They also required ISPs to be transparent about their network management practices.
The FCC's Plan to Repeal Net Neutrality
In December 2017, the FCC voted to repeal its net neutrality rules. The FCC's new rules will take effect on June 11, 2018.
Day of Action
The "net neutrality day of action" was organized by a coalition of groups, including the Internet Association, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and Public Knowledge. The coalition called on internet users to contact their members of Congress and ask them to support net neutrality.
The day of action was successful in raising awareness of net neutrality and in generating public support for net neutrality rules. The FCC received over 1 million comments from the public, the vast majority of which supported net neutrality.
The Future of Net Neutrality
The repeal of the FCC's net neutrality rules is a major victory for ISPs. It is likely to lead to increased prices, reduced innovation, and less competition in the internet market.
However, the fight for net neutrality is not over. There are a number of ways that net neutrality could be restored. Congress could pass a law to codify net neutrality rules, or the courts could strike down the FCC's repeal.
The future of net neutrality is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the internet is a vital part of our lives, and we cannot afford to let ISPs control it.
