Today, the Obama Administration redoubled its commitment to promote an open internet by supporting the strongest tools to prevent blocking or throttling internet traffic, and by also supporting the strongest tools to deter fast lanes and paid prioritization of traffic on the public's most essential communications platform of the 21st century.
Public Knowledge applauds President Obama for encouraging the use of the full power of Title II of the Communications Act to protect every part of the internet infrastructure. Public Knowledge has long advocated that Title II rules are both the simplest and strongest mechanism to prevent discrimination of traffic online, and promote investment in broadband.
The following may be attributed to Public Knowledge President Gene Kimmelman:
“Today the Obama Administration expanded its leadership to promote an open internet by supporting the strongest tools to prevent blocking or throttling of internet traffic, and by also supporting the strongest tools to deter fast lanes and prioritized traffic on the public's most essential communications platform of the 21st century.
“Starting with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's push to open the internet globally, the Administration's strong antitrust enforcement to support competition in the digital marketplace, and now strong open internet rules for the U.S., the Obama Administration has demonstrated world leadership to promote freedom of expression.
“We are also encouraged that FCC Chairman Wheeler has expressed a commitment to consider broad use of Title II tools to ensure that the Administration's and Chairman Wheeler's goals are fully enforced through effective rules and oversight.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.