Trump's new FCC boss has already set the stage for a less open internet
Getty/Chip Somodevilla
Last week, the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) closed multiple inquiries led by former chairman Tom Wheeler into the data-cap exemption - colloquially known as "zero-rating" - policies of various internet service providers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Comcast.
Previously, Wheeler, who stepped down from his position once President Donald Trump took office, oversaw a months-long back-and-forth between the FCC and those ISPs. That resulted in the commission casting doubt on the legality of the zero-rating policies of AT&T and, to a lesser extent, Verizon. The concern was that such programs could be anti-competitive and stand in contrast to the net-neutrality rules set by the 2015 Open Internet Order.
Those findings are now moot. Upon closing the inquiries, the WTB's notice said the results of Wheeler's investigation would have "no legal or other effect or meaning going forward."
Pai reinforced that finality. "These free-data plans have proven to be popular among consumers, particularly low-income Americans, and have enhanced competition in the wireless marketplace," he said in a statement. "Going forward, the Federal Communications Commission will not focus on denying Americans free data."
This is noteworthy.
- Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- An Ambani disruption in OTT: At just ₹1 per day, you can now enjoy ad-free content on JioCinema
- 10 Incredible destinations for backpackers in India
- Markets snap five-day rally, Sensex tumbles over 600 pts
- Southern India faces water crisis as reservoir levels plunge to just 17% capacity: CWC
- Indian heart beats inside Pakistani woman, 19-year-old from Karachi undergoes heart transplant in Chennai
- Rupee falls 7 paise to settle at 83.35 against US dollar