Web Startups Want Clear Net Neutrality Rules, Ammori Says

There's an “overwhelming record” in favor of “bright line” net neutrality rules reclassifying broadband as a Title II service, particularly based on filings from startup Web companies, Marvin Ammori, fellow at the New America Foundation, told FCC General Counsel Jon Sallet in a recent meeting, said an ex parte filing posted by the FCC Monday in docket 14-28. The FCC should forbear from most parts of Title II but retain Sections 201, 202 and 208, he said. But Free State Foundation President Randolph May said in a blog post in The Hill that reclassification would encourage other nations to impose more restrictions on the Internet. “Despite any protestations to the contrary that may be uttered by U.S. officials, the FCC's action regulating Internet providers will speak louder than any justifications the agency may offer,” he wrote. “Other countries, like China, Iran, Cuba and Russia, with unmistakable designs on exerting more control over Internet communications, will seize upon the FCC's new claim of regulatory authority as a justification for their own actions.” Public Knowledge also called for Title II reclassification in a filing at the commission. “In the wake of President [Barack] Obama’s full-throated endorsement of robust Open Internet rules based in Title II authority, Public Knowledge hopes the Commission is moving quickly to protect the future of the Open Internet,” the group said.