Statement On FCC Vote To Approve The “Restoring Internet Freedom Order” That Will Gut Net Neutrality Protections

Washington, DC — Internet Association President & CEO Michael Beckerman issued the following statement in reaction to the FCC’s vote to approve the “Restoring Internet Freedom Order” that will gut net neutrality protections for consumers:

“The internet industry opposes Chairman Pai’s repeal of the 2015 Open Internet Order. Today’s vote represents a departure from more than a decade of broad, bipartisan consensus on the rules governing the internet. Relying on ISPs to live up to their own ‘promises’ is not net neutrality and is bad for consumers.

“Let’s remember why we have these rules in the first place. There is little competition in the broadband service market – more than half of all Americans have no choice in their provider – so consumers will be forced to accept ISP interference in their online experience. This is in stark contrast to the websites and apps that make up Internet Association, where competition is a click away and switching costs are low.

“The fight isn’t over. Internet Association is currently weighing our legal options in a lawsuit against today’s Order, and remains open to Congress enshrining strong, enforceable net neutrality protections into law.”

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