President Obama wants ISPs to be regulated under net neutrality principles

November 11, 2014

President Barack Obama has issued a new request to the Federal Communications Commission to reclassify broadband wired Internet service in the US as a public utility, like telephone or power companies are currently classified. This is just the latest attempt to regulate Internet service providers under net neutrality principles.

President Obama believes that ISPs should not be allowed to block access to websites, throttle their data speeds or have companies like Netflix pay for faster access to their services. Obama wrote:

"So the time has come for the FCC to recognize that broadband service is of the same importance and must carry the same obligations as so many of the other vital services do. To do that, I believe the FCC should reclassify consumer broadband service under Title II of the Telecommunications Act — while at the same time forbearing from rate regulation and other provisions less relevant to broadband services. This is a basic acknowledgment of the services ISPs provide to American homes and businesses, and the straightforward obligations necessary to ensure the network works for everyone — not just one or two companies."

Of course, it's up to the FCC to make these kinds of changes, and there's no word yet on if the commission will do as Obama suggests. Do you support the President's stance on net neutrality for US ISPs?

Source: Whitehouse.gov