AFP: FCC Vote to Repeal Net Neutrality Will Restore Internet Freedom

Dec 14, 2017 by AFP

Arlington, Va. – Today, Americans for Prosperity commended the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for voting to repeal Obama-era internet regulations, which improperly classified the internet as a Title II telecommunications service under the Communications Act, and imposed rules commonly known as ‘net neutrality.’ AFP has been an outspoken opponent of these regulations since the Obama-era FCC enacted the order in 2015. The grassroots group said the regulations were a dramatic government encroachment on a free and open internet.

In May, following FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s announcement of his intentions to begin correcting the Title II rules, AFP launched a campaign urging activists to submit comments in support of repeal. AFP volunteers sprang into action and encouraged the Commission to restore freedom to the internet.

Americans For Prosperity Vice President of External Affairs Chrissy Harbin issued the following statement:

“Today’s FCC vote is a much-needed and welcomed move to restore the government’s traditional, hands-off approach to the Internet. The burdensome government oversight of net neutrality has stifled the spirit of the free and open internet long enough. It was the competitive free market that gave us the internet and the innovations that came with it. Today’s action to rid the internet of government meddling will foster an online environment that spurs new advancement, competition, and consumer choice. We look forward to continuing our work with the FCC and Chairman Pai to ensure that the internet remains vibrant and free of bureaucratic intrusion.”

BACKGROUND:

Press Release: FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to Talk Internet Freedom and Free Markets at Defending the American Dream Summit (6/29/2017)

Washington Examiner: As Trump modernizes the government, he can keep the internet free and open (6/19/17)

Commentary: Good News for a Freer Internet! (5/2/17)

Press release: AFP on Plans to Roll Back Net Neutrality (4/26/2017)

For further information or an interview, reach Levi Russell at LRussell@afphq.org or (703) 853-4090.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) exists to recruit, educate, and mobilize citizens in support of the policies and goals of a free society at the local, state, and federal level, helping every American live their dream – especially the least fortunate. AFP has more than 3.2 million activists across the nation, a local infrastructure that includes 36 state chapters, and has received financial support from more than 100,000 Americans in all 50 states. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

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