U.S. Proposes Considering Internet a Public Service, Strengthening Regulation Agencia EFE
go to original February 6, 2015

Federal Communications Commission chief Tom Wheeler. (EFE)

The head of the independent Federal Communications Commission, Tom Wheeler, has revealed his intention to propose that the Internet be considered a telecommunications "public service," a move that would allow greater regulation of it by the government.

"My proposal assures the rights of Internet users to go where they want, when they want, and the rights of innovators to introduce new products without asking anyone's permission," said Wheeler in an editorial in Wired magazine.

He also said that the Internet must be "must be fast, fair and open. That is the message I've heard from consumers and innovators across this nation. That is the principle that has enabled the Internet to become an unprecedented platform for innovation and human expression," said Wheeler.

The FCC chief's proposal is intended to guarantee the "Net neutrality" principle that holds that Internet providers must not block or restrict access to lawful Web pages.

Wheeler said, "I am submitting ... the strongest open Internet protections ever proposed by the FCC. These enforceable ... rules will ban paid prioritization, and the blocking and throttling of lawful content and services."

His rules will also, for the first time ever, apply to mobile broadband.

Read the rest at La Prensa

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