Democrats warn: 'There is going to be a political price to pay for taking net neutrality away from the American people'

pulse

December 14, 2017 7:18 PM

The FCC finalized the rollback of the Obama administration's "net neutrality" effort, while incensed protesters and Democratic lawmakers demonstrated outside.

The Federal Communications Commission finalized the repeal of Obama-era rules for internet service providers on Thurdsay.
While protesters demonstrated outside the hearing, the room was briefly evacuated due to a threat.

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission finalized the rollback of the Obama administration's "net neutrality" effort on Thursday, while incensed protesters and Democratic lawmakers demonstrated outside.

Inside the packed hearing room, FCC commissioners led by the agency's chairman Ajit Pai began debating the merits of net neutrality regulations, which classified internet access as a basic utility, heading to a vote.

The rollback of the regulations is a controversial move that will give broadband providers more leeway to sell different tiers of internet service, but which critics say will leave consumers and web startups at the mercy of the big telecomunications companies.

Now everyone is in the hall... @ Joe Perticone

After about 15 minutes, reporters, staff, and visitors were able to enter the room and the hearing resumed, which was followed by a party-line vote of 3-2, with Republicans voting for the repeal and Democrats voting against it

Net neutrality regulations prevented internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking certain websites or from charging companies and customers more for so-called internet "fast lanes." Those fast lanes could mean the difference between a smooth, TV-like experience watching online videos or a frustrating frozen screen.

Now that the repeal is official, it's likely headed to court. Several groups have already said they plan to file lawsuits against the decision on the grounds that the FCC didn't seriously consider the millions of pro-net neutrality comments submitted to the commission. There will also be a push to get Congress to bring back net neutrality regulations through legislation.

Steve Kovach contributed to this report.

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