Media Room
Media Room
Release date 09/23/2011
WASHINGTON, DC — The official rules regarding Network Neutrality were published in the Federal Register today by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The rules aim to limit Internet providers from favoring or discriminating against traffic that goes over their networks.
Parul P. Desai, policy counsel for Consumers Union said, “The rules developed by the FCC take important steps to ensure that the Internet remains an open marketplace. When purchasing Internet service, consumers rightfully expect that they will have equal access to all that the web offers and shouldn’t be held back because of industry tactics. For the first time, there will be clear rules to protect consumers and keep the Internet growing as an open, innovative environment.”
The rules proposed by the FCC would ensure that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are not able to favor specific Internet content or prevent consumers from accessing a competitor’s website. Key stakeholders — from consumers to small businesses, as well as religious organizations and civil rights groups — have come out in support of net neutrality efforts.
“As opponents take aim at these important rules, we will keep fighting to ensure the Internet remains open to all,” said Desai.
Contacts:
David Butler, Consumers Union, 202.462.6262 or dbulter@consumer.org
Kara Kelber, Consumers Union, 202.462.6262 or kkelber@consumer.org