Protestors Interrupt FCC Open Meeting, Push For Broadband Reclassification

FCC HQ

Protestors interrupted the FCC's open meeting TODAY (12/11) to voice their opinion that the Commission should regulate Internet service providers under Title II of the Communications Act.  THE HILL reports that at one point, protestors got behind the Commissioners on the dais and unfurled a banner reading "RECLASSIFY NOW," prompting Chairman TOM WHEELER to tell students in the audience, "This is what the country is all about."

The Commission is considering changes in regulation regarding net neutrality, but the process has been moved until early next year.  President OBAMA has called on the Commission to regulate ISPs under Title II, which would treat broadband as a public utility and ISPs effectively as common carriers.  WHEELER has been advocating a hybrid approach, but such a plan may raise constitutional issues; protestors blocked his driveway MONDAY morning to push for reclassification.

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