FCC vote on net neutrality set for Feb. 26
Net neutrality is gaining traction in Washington, D.C., as both a policy and political issue.
Congressmen Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and Greg Walden (R-Ore.), who are the Chairman of the House Commerce Committee and the Subcommittee on Communication Technology, respectfully, recently joined Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, in a joint statement calling for Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler to release his report on net neutrality prior to the commission vote.
“Given the significance of the matter and the strong public participation in the commission’s proceedings to date, we believe the public and industry stakeholders alike should have the opportunity to review the text of any proposed order or rules prior to commission action,” the politicians noted in a joint statement. “Accordingly, we urge you to publicly release the draft text of the Open Internet Order when you circulate it to your fellow commissioners.”
Wheeler’s report is expected to outline recommendations on the net neutrality debate, including whether or not the FCC should implement Title II oversight, which would define Internet access as a public utility.
The FCC commissioners are expected to receive a copy of the report by Feb. 5. The report will not be released to the public and members of Congress until after the Commission has voted on the issue on Feb. 26.
The congressmen further stated, “We believe publicly releasing the draft text of the full open Internet item in advance of the commission vote next month is in the public interest, and we call on you to use your authority to do so.”
