Rep. Scott Peters on Tuesday blasted plans by President Trump’s chairman of the Federal Communications Commission to seek full repeal of net neutrality rules.
The rules prohibit Internet service providers from blocking, slowing or prioritizing websites, and could open the door to extra charges for high-speed access.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, who was appointed by President Obama but elevated to chairman by President Trump, said earlier Tuesday he would seek a vote on repeal in December.
“Strong net neutrality protections must be in place to maintain a truly open and free internet,” said Peters. “The changes announced by Chairman Pai would undermine protections that level the playing field for consumers and small businesses.”
“We need a legislative solution to protect net neutrality and I will urge my colleagues to take action to preserve the internet as free, fair, and open,” he added.
Legacy telecommunications companies like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast have sought an end to net neutrality, while new Internet companies like Google and Facebook support it.
With three Republican and two Democratic commissioners, the move to end net neutrality is all but certain to be approved.
“Under my proposal, the federal government will stop micromanaging the Internet,” Pai said in a statement.
Peters represets the 52nd District, which covers much of central San Diego County where many startup Internet companies are located.
