FCC Posts Its 400-Page Net Neutrality Order

jriding sends word that the FCC has released new rules outlining its recently officialized role as internet regulator. Simply titled "Open Internet FCC-15-24A1," the order runs 400 pages. The actual text of the new rules is only 305 words long. [FCC head Tom] Wheeler said reclassifying broadband as an utility gives the FCC its best shot at withstanding legal challenges. The courts have twice tossed out earlier rules aimed at protecting Internet openness. The FCC chairman has said repeatedly the agency does not intend to set rates or add new taxes to broadband bills. More than 100 pages of the 400-page document released Thursday explain that forbearance. AT&T had hinted it would file a lawsuit once the new rules become public. The company's chief lobbyist, Jim Cicconi, didn't indicate Thursday when or even if AT&T would sue — only that the battle is far from over. "Unfortunately, the order released today begins a period of uncertainty that will damage broadband investment in the United States," Cicconi said. "Ultimately, though, we are confident the issue will be resolved by bipartisan action by Congress or a future FCC, or by the courts."

Comments

We have decided...

[Anonymous Coward]

We have decided that the internet belongs to the US, and we decided that we are going to place all of these rules on it. We will make liberals happy by telling them it will make things "fair". (by fair we mean we assume jurisdiction where we had none and give special favors to those who pay for political favors)

Re:We'll know if its a good bill..

[cayenne8]

This part gets me:

The FCC chairman has said repeatedly the agency does not intend to set rates or add new taxes to broadband bills.

Sure....and how long before they add new TAXES and fees?

I mean, I remember when they put in the seatbelt laws, they emphatically stated "Don't worry, not wearing a seatbelt will NOT be a primary offense reason the cops can pull you over, it will only be a secondary item."

Well, that didn't last long, and I regularly see ads on TV, especially on holiday weekends saying "Click it or Ticket..if you are seen driving without a seatbelt on, you will be pulled over and fined (and it give a reason for us to look you over, possibly search your car, ask you other questions, etc).

You can never trust the govt to not do what they say they won't, unless it is specifically codified.

I do agree with the net neutrality issues, but I'm always guarded by what else they'll eventually try to work in as far as regulation, rules and new means of revenue generation.