Obama Says Internet is a Utility and Supports Strong Net Neutrality

President Obama has called for the Federal Communications Commission to “implement the strongest possible rules to protect net neutrality” by reclassifying broadband networks as telecommunication services and bringing them under the same regulations as phone networks. In doing so, the president has cast his lot firmly on the side of those calling for aggressive new Internet rules.

From Obama’s statement:

“So the time has come for the FCC to recognize that broadband service is of the same importance and must carry the same obligations as so many of the other vital services do. To do that, I believe the FCC should reclassify consumer broadband service under Title II of the Telecommunications Act—while at the same time forbearing from rate regulation and other provisions less relevant to broadband services. This is a basic acknowledgment of the services ISPs provide to American homes and businesses, and the straightforward obligations necessary to ensure the network works for everyone—not just one or two companies.”