1) Nov 3 FRN -- In this document, the Federal Communications Commission's (Commission) adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that proposes to reestablish the Commission's authority over broadband internet access service [BIAS] by classifying it as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act. This NPRM proposes to classify broadband internet access service as a telecommunications service and provide the Commission with authority necessary to safeguard the open internet, advance national security, and protect public safety. The NPRM also proposes to reestablish conduct rules for internet service providers that would provide a national approach for safeguarding internet openness.
Comments are due on or before December 14, 2023, and reply comments are due on or before January 17, 2024.
Today, we propose to return BIAS to its classification as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Act. We further propose to reclassify mobile BIAS as a commercial mobile service. In the time since the RIF Order (83 FR 7852 (Feb. 22, 2018)), propelled by the COVID–19 pandemic, BIAS has become even more essential to consumers for work, health, education, community, and everyday life. In light of this reality, we believe that looking anew at the classification of BIAS is necessary and timely given the critical importance of ensuring the Commission's authority to fulfill policy objectives and responsibilities to protect this vital service. Notable among these is enabling the Commission to safeguard the fair and open internet though a national regulatory approach. The Commission also has an important statutory mandate to protect “life and property” by supporting national security and public safety. We anticipate that the proper classification of BIAS as a telecommunications service will enhance the Commission's ability to advance these and other important interests, including protection of consumers' privacy and data security interests and consumers' ability to access BIAS. Beyond these areas, we believe that classification of BIAS as a telecommunications service represents the best reading of the text of the Act in light of the marketplace reality of how the service is offered and perceived today. Below, we seek comment on our proposed classification framework, and particularly seek comment on its benefits and burdens. Additionally, we seek comment on the impact of reclassification on small businesses and entities, including small ISPs.
FRN:
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-23630 [49 pages]
2) Oct 19 [press release] -- FCC to Start Proceeding on Reestablishing Open Internet Protections
FCC proposes to reestablish the Commission's authority over broadband Internet access service by classifying it as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934.
https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-start-proceeding-reestablishing-open-internet-protections-0
