Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet; Restoring Internet Freedom

Issuing agencies

Abstract

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) adopts a Declaratory Ruling, Report and Order, Order, and Order on Reconsideration that reestablishes the Commission's authority over broadband internet access service (BIAS). The Declaratory Ruling classifies broadband internet access service as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act, providing the Commission with additional authority to safeguard national security, advance public safety, protect consumers, and facilitate broadband deployment. The Order establishes broad, tailored forbearance of the Commission's application of Title II to broadband providers while maintaining Title II provisions the Commission needs to fulfill its obligations and objectives. The Report and Order reinstates straightforward, clear rules that prohibit blocking, throttling, or engaging in paid or affiliated prioritization arrangements, adopts certain enhancements to the transparency rule, and reinstates a general conduct standard that prohibits unreasonable interference or unreasonable disadvantage to consumers or edge providers. The Order on Reconsideration partially grants and otherwise dismisses as moot four petitions for reconsideration filed in response to the 2020 Restoring Internet Freedom Remand Order.