FCC Commissioner Gives Misleading Speech on Net Neutrality

WASHINGTON, DC — FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai gave a speech today critiquing Chairman Tom Wheeler’s net neutrality proposal. The chairman’s proposal, which was unveiled last week, would protect the Open Internet with robust rules based on sustainable legal authority under Title II of the Communications Act. The FCC is expected to vote on the proposal on Feb. 26.

The following statement can be attributed to Sarah Morris, Senior Policy Counsel for New America’s Open Technology Institute:

“Today’s remarks from Commissioner Pai reflect tired talking points that have been rebutted in the media and in the FCC’s record. The Chairman’s approach — strong network neutrality rules grounded in sound and clear Title II authority — is supported by millions of Americans, companies ranging from tiny startups to household names, and dozens of Congressional members. While it’s important to have a lively debate about the details of the proposed rules, misleading talking points detract from, rather than add to, that debate.”

The following statement can be attributed to Josh Stager, Policy Counsel for New America’s Open Technology Institute:

“Commissioner Pai's comments are jarringly out of touch with reality. He says consumers should keep their current broadband plan if they like it, but Americans have been abundantly clear that they are fed up with their current options. They want more competition, lower prices, and the assurance that they can access any legal content of their choosing -- none of which describes the current market. It’s deeply troubling that Commissioner Pai seems to prefer the status quo, in which broadband providers have free reign to manipulate consumers and abuse their market power.”

Expert Contacts

Sarah Morris
Senior Policy Counsel
morriss@newamerica.org

Joshua Stager
Policy Counsel
stager@newamerica.org

Media Contact

Jenny Mallamo
(202) 596-3368
mallamo@newamerica.org