The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has faced significant challenges in upholding net neutrality and making meaningful reforms in the telecom industry. Under the Trump administration, the agency became a mere rubber stamp for industry interests, while lobbying efforts from telecom and media giants during the Biden administration prevented the appointment of new commissioners. However, with the nomination of Anna Gomez, a former NTIA official and Sprint lobbyist, hopes for restoring net neutrality have been rekindled.
After the industry-backed derailing of the Gigi Sohn nomination, the Biden administration nominated Anna Gomez in May. Gomez’s confirmation is progressing faster than her predecessor’s due to her perceived lack of controversy. However, some Republicans, including Senator Ted Cruz, have expressed opposition to her nomination. Despite these obstacles, Gomez’s approval by the Senate Commerce Committee indicates a positive trajectory.
The Republican party has been repeatedly accused of obstructing FCC nominations and preventing the agency from fully functioning. Republicans have raised unfounded concerns and propagated false narratives to hinder appointments that might challenge telecom industry giants. It is important to note that Gomez’s nomination, similar to Sohn’s, is not controversial. Yet, three key Democratic senators also voiced concerns about Sohn, underlining the complex dynamics influencing FCC reform.
While Gomez’s stance on key public interest issues remains unclear, her support for reverting the Trump-era dismantling of net neutrality is encouraging. An insider conversation reveals the Biden administration’s continued commitment to restoring net neutrality rules. However, there is skepticism regarding the agency’s ability to implement meaningful reforms due to its composition and historical reluctance to challenge telecom monopolies.
Net neutrality rules were essential guidelines aimed at preventing telecom monopolies from abusing their market power to the detriment of competition and consumers. The repeal of these rules not only weakened the FCC’s consumer protection authority but also necessitated the adoption of state-level net neutrality protections. Reverting to classification as common carriers under Title II is crucial for safeguarding consumer interests.
While net neutrality remains an important aspect of consumer protection, it may be time to shift the policy focus to combating telecom monopolization and the corruption that enables it. Broadband accessibility and affordability can be better addressed by promoting community-backed alternatives that challenge concentrated monopoly power. However, doubts persist regarding the political courage of the FCC, especially in the face of a corrupt Congress that discourages the survival of popular reformers in the regulatory nomination process.
The post “Finally Close to Having a Voting Majority, Will the Biden FCC Actually Restore Net Neutrality?” first appeared on the European News Global.
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