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Release date 02/04/2015
WASHINGTON – Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler today announced he will circulate a proposal for net neutrality to commissioners that would increase the FCC's authority to oversee Internet service providers as common carriers, such as traditional telephone service, using Title II, a provision of the Communications Act.
Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports and longtime supporter of net neutrality, applauded the Chairman’s announcement, saying it looked forward to seeing more details of the Chairman’s proposal.
Ellen Bloom, senior director of federal policy for Consumers Union, said, “The battle’s far from over, but this is a victory for consumers, for sure. The FCC chairman is right – the best way to ensure the Internet is open and competitive is to reclassify broadband as a common carrier under Title II. This would provide the strong consumer protections we need to keep companies like Comcast and Verizon from becoming all-powerful gatekeepers of the Internet. We’re especially pleased the proposed rules would cover wireless Internet providers. As more people use mobile devices to access the Internet, extending these rules to wireless is absolutely critical. We’re anxious to see more specifics, but everything we’re hearing so far is good news for consumers. The fight over net neutrality has been waged for years, and we’ve made an enormous amount of progress in just the last few months.”
Wheeler is expected to circulate his proposal to commissioners and staff this week. The FCC is scheduled to vote on the rules on February 26. Some members of Congress have proposed legislation aimed at net neutrality as an alternative to FCC rules. But Bloom said the best option for consumers is a set of strong rules written and enforced by the FCC.
“This is a huge debate that impacts every American consumer. The future of the Internet as we know it is up for grabs, and we’re going to keep pushing for strong FCC rules,” Bloom said.
Media Contact:
David Butler, Consumers Union, 202.462.6262 or dbutler@consumer.org
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2015 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2015 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.