The public can finally read the FCC's new net neutrality rules
Two weeks ago, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved controversial new net neutrality rules for Internet lines. On Thursday, the agency finally released the text of its ruling.
The 400-page document is available in Microsoft Word, PDF, and Text format. You can also find a summary from minority Republican FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai on why the rules should be overturned.
Steve Wozniak attended the historic FCC net neutrality vote on Feb. 26, which passed 3-2 along party lines. The Apple co-founder welcomed the new rules, which place regulations for broadband providers and place restrictions on practices like speed throttling and paid Internet fast lanes.
Speaking to Bloomberg soon after the ruling, Wozniak said:
To me, more than anything else, this is a victory for the people, the consumers, the average Joes, against the suppliers who have all of the power and the wealth and make decisions for them and they feel hopeless and helpless. And here 4 million of us signed petitions. It’s an indication that the people can sometimes win. We’ve had a lot of defeats over the years, but once in a while we get a win.
The plan was strongly opposed by a number of ISPs and carriers like Verizon and AT&T.
The Republican-controlled U.S. Congress is expected to debate the new rules, now that they have been published. Whether they will seek to overturn them remains to be seen.