Net neutrality is a big government power grab

opinion

Editor

From the Submission Editorial Committee

In another ill-advised “undo Trump act” move, the Federal Communications Commission this week aims to restore “net neutrality” and strengthen its authority over broadband internet.

The reason it took so long is because the Biden team took forever to find and approve another FCC nominee that would give Democrats a majority on the commission.

But what do we need here?

As Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr pointed out, since the Trumpies destroyed net neutrality in 2017, “America's broadband speeds have increased, prices have fallen” and “competition has increased.”

So why is there a move toward “government control of the Internet”?

That's because, as FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel (D-elect) has argued, “the pandemic has made it clear that broadband is an essential service,” and apparently automatically “oversight.” This is because it has become “necessary.”

people who love big government Until now Can we stop using the pandemic as an excuse to restrict our freedoms?

In fact, there was no reason for it in the first place. President Barack Obama's FCC even resisted until ordered to do so by the White House in 2015. After a lot of lobbying from streaming services, including Netflix, we thought it was better for them. bottom line.

However, the basis for this is pure “social justice.” By treating the Internet as a public utility, we prevent Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from blocking access, slowing down speeds, or charging additional fees for certain content and services. They claim that they can protect the poor.

Of course, it's pure coincidence that a year after leaving the White House, the Obamas signed a deal with Netflix for an amount rumored to be more than $50 million.

So when the Trump FCC overturned the Obama rules in 2017, leftists argued that ISPs would stifle competition and that only the wealthy would have access to high-speed internet and the most in-demand websites, while the poor would have access to They shouted that it would create a dystopia. Locked out of the information highway.

It didn't happen. The number of Americans using the internet will increase by 6%, average internet speeds across the country will improve, and American broadband providers will make a record $102 billion in infrastructure in 2022 alone. invested.

The average internet user's surfing experience Improved.

Either way, the Biden FCC power play may not survive legal challenge.

The Supreme Court ruled in West Virginia v. EPA in 2021 that federal agencies cannot assume major new regulatory powers without explicit authority from Congress.

So why does Joe continue to push for net neutrality?

Maybe he wants a deal with Netflix his Family too.