The FCC’s reclassification of broadband has been upheld for the second time, so let’s take a quick dive into the history of net neutrality in the US.
This infographic takes us up to 2014, when we were still waiting breathlessly for the FCC’s decision to either uphold net neutrality by reclassifying internet access, or to allow internet service providers (ISPs) to create and charge for “fast lanes”.
In Febrary 2015, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, also known by the catchy acronym FCC, reclassified broadband internet access as a telecommunications service, which made it subject to Title II regulations as a public utility, like telephone service. This was a huge win for net neutrality proponents, and was upheld by the DC Circuit Court of Appeals in June 2016, which, at the time of this writing, was 8 days ago. ISPs and their parent companies are, of course, appealing the ruling again and hoping to take it to the supreme court. Whether the supreme court will hear the case is unsure.
If you’re thinking to yourself “What is this net neutrality thing again?” don’t worry, our 15 Facts about Net Neutrality infographic will sort you out.