FCC chair speaks in favor of net neutrality at CES

Net neutrality remains a controversial topic, and Federal Communications Commission chairman Tom Wheeler, in remarks delivered at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week, suggested he is in favor of a net-neutrality proposal put forth by President Obama.

Brendan Sasso in National Journal writes, “Although Wheeler didn’t explicitly commit to any details, he did speak favorably about Obama’s position that the FCC should classify broadband Internet as a ‘telecommunications service’ under Title II of the Communications Act. He also argued that the rules should apply to Internet service on cell phones.”

An earlier FCC vote had seemingly favored a weakening of net neutrality, potentially making it more difficult for Internet startups to gain traction, since presumably they would not be in a secure financial positon to pay for “fast lanes” on the information superhighway.

Various players have opposed net neutrality of tried to carve out exceptions for themselves. General Motors, for example, wants to maintain distinctions between fixed and mobile Internet access rules; the company wants flexibility in managing its OnStar vehicle connectivity technology.

But Sasso in National Journal writes that Wheeler at CES argued that net neutrality should apply to mobile phones, although he didn’t directly address GM’s concerns.

Gautham Nagesh in the Wall Street Journal writes that the broadband industry and Republican lawmakers oppose net neutrality, adding, “But Mr. Wheeler noted sectors of the wireless network industry have been regulated under Title II of the Communications Act for years and has been ‘monumentally successful’ for the past two decades.”

Sasso notes that the two Republican FCC commissioners, participating in panel discussions at CES, won’t support Title II regulation.

The commissioners may vote on February 26.