Pai Defends Repeal of Title II Net Neutrality Regulation, in Letters to Lawmakers
Answering congressional critics, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai defended Title II net neutrality repeal under the Communications Act. He denied the "internet freedom" order will destroy the internet or harm the free exchange of ideas, and said Americans will still be…
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able to access their preferred websites and services, with regulators protecting a "free and open" internet. "By returning to the light-touch Title I framework, we are helping consumers and promoting competition," Pai wrote in letters posted Friday in docket 18-5 dated April 19 and 20 that responded to 38 lawmakers who raised objections before a Dec. 14 vote. "Broadband providers will have stronger incentives to build networks, especially in unserved areas, and to upgrade networks to gigabit speeds and 5G." The order "also promotes more robust transparency among ISPs than existed three years ago" and re-establishes FTC "authority to ensure consumers and competition are protected," he wrote. Pai's exchanges were with Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., and 32 House colleagues (here), Sens. Angus King, I-Maine and Susan Collins, R-Maine (here), Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo. (here), Rep. Adam Smith, D-Washington (here), and Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass. (here).