Posted on 03/04/2015 2:05:24 PM PST by ThethoughtsofGreg
Why should the Internet—a “modern technology”—be subject to regulations originally drafted in the mid-1930s?
The Federal Communications Commission’s recent vote was less an adoption of “Net Neutrality” regulations and more a carte blanche redefining of Internet services. In redefining the Internet as a “public utility,” the FCC exposes Internet and broadband service providers to regulatory schemes crafted when rotary phones and switchboards were the norm.
We can only guess what the actual regulations will say for the next couple weeks, since FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler crafted them behind closed doors and has yet to release them. While we wait for the precise regulations, it is not difficult to guess the long-term impact Title 2 reclassification will have on Internet and broadband consumers.
The proposed reclassification will create a one-size-fits-all approach for consumers, pigeonholing them all into identical contracts, service plans and rates. To paraphrase President Obama’s statements when he was promoting the Affordable Care Act, “If you have an Internet service plan, you won’t be able to keep it.”
(Excerpt) Read more at americanlegislator.org ...
How can the unelected FCC bureaucrats reclassify something which was not under their jurisdiction?
Oh, right, they haven’t published their 300+ pages of regulations which would indicate that...
20-25 years is about the average time it takes for a new technology to emerge, to the point where Government takes over with licensing, regulation, political control and managed oligopoly.
Electricity, telephone, autos, air-travel all follow the same pattern, and the internet will also
Can that get reversed in the future.
As if the Constitution, the GOP, any laws, or jurisdictional boundaries would stop The One from getting his way
Well, Reagan reversed the Fairness Doctrine, but he used a bit of subterfuge while the Dems were not looking. For sure they’ll be on guard next time.
FDR lives!!!
FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai pointed out one thing that this change will do - raise taxes.
About $6 billion a year in new taxes will be imposed, as those taxes all over your phone bill go on your internet service as well.
Remember the “Gore Tax” on phone service, to provide universal access. It never went away, and will now expand.
These taxes will start in a few months.
Another effect is that the Government has new power to change the rules, and thereby effect the profitability of future big deals. Every big deal in the future will require additional buying of influence from politicians.
Headline is pretty misleading if you ask me, should read:
CONGRESS ALLOWING FCC TO TAKEOVER INTERNET
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