This is the letter I received from my Senator:
Dear Mr. Butt:
Thank you for contacting me about Net Neutrality and internet usage issues. I always appreciate the opportunity to hear from my fellow Georgians.
The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) 2015 Open Internet Order marked a dramatic departure from the bipartisan, light-touch, pro-innovation approach to internet regulation adopted in 1996. Under those common-sense rules, internet service provider (ISP) business practices were policed by the Federal Trade Commission, like most other internet-based companies. In order to exercise jurisdiction over ISPs, the FCC claimed statutory authority under an early twentieth century utilities law designed to regulate telephone monopolies, an antiquated law ill-suited to deal with such a dynamic sector of our economy.
Apart from being a partisan circumvention of the legislative process and an executive branch power grab by the previous administration, these regulations were largely unnecessary, given the strong market forces that have always protected content neutrality and governed privacy practices among ISPs. Instead of protecting consumers, the FCC Order raised costs, stifled innovation, and suppressed broadband investment in communities most in need of internet access.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has indicated that the Commission will look at rolling back these regulations this year, and interested individuals and groups will be able to comment on any proposed changes as part of that process. I encourage you to use that opportunity to share your thoughts as well.
As Congress considers legislation to remedy the previous administration's misguided regulatory overreach, it's my opinion that any future policy should ensure that the innovative environment of the Internet is not inhibited by laborious rules and regulations. As my colleagues and I work with Chairman Pai to address these issues, I will certainly keep your thoughts in mind.
Kindest regards,
David Perdue
United States Senator
