Senate Dems demand network neutrality protections

Senate Democrats urged Republicans to preserve network neutrality principles in the 114th Congress. “To the extent that any Communications Act reforms are considered in the next Congress, those reforms must be fully consistent with and protective of net neutrality principle,” 11 Senators wrote to the incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

“A two-tiered Internet that allows Fortune 500 companies to pay for special Internet access imperils the innovation that drives the Internet economy, while leaving slow lanes for the rest of us,” the Senators wrote. “We stand ready to work with you in ensuring that any reform of our communications laws is consistent with strong net neutrality protections.” “The [Federal Communications Commission] can and should take strong action to protect consumers as soon as possible,” the letter stated. “We would forcefully oppose any reforms that would undermine the FCC’s authority to act to adopt meaningful net neutrality rules to protect consumers.”