FCC restores net neutrality, making internet access an ‘essential service’
FCC restores net neutrality, making internet access an 'essential service' Scripps News
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The Federal Communications Commission Votes to Reinstate Net Neutrality Regulations
The Federal Communications Commission has voted to reinstate net neutrality regulations which were first implemented during the Obama administration.
Net Neutrality Regulations Restored
According to the FCC, the vote brings back a set of rules across the country that make internet access an “essential service” again. It prohibits providers from blocking, slowing down, or favoring certain content for payment. The regulations also include measures to address outages and ensure reliable internet service.
Support for Fast, Open, and Fair Broadband
“We need broadband to reach 100 percent of us — and we need it fast, open, and fair,” said Jessica Rosenworcel, FCC chairwoman, before the vote on Thursday. This decision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting affordable and universal access to the internet.
National Security Considerations
The reinstated regulations also empower the FCC to protect national security by preventing foreign-owned companies from operating broadband networks in the U.S. if they pose a security threat. The FCC has previously taken action against four Chinese state-owned carriers due to security concerns.
Rollback and Previous Administration’s Stance
Net neutrality guidelines were initially implemented in 2015 but were rolled back in 2017 under the administration of former President Donald Trump. The FCC, under his administration, favored telecom industries and argued that net neutrality would discourage investment and innovation in technology. This decision was met with criticism and concerns about potential negative impacts on internet access and affordability.
Impact on Internet Prices
The impact of this decision on current internet prices remains unknown. However, Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of broadband as a necessity, not a luxury, especially in the wake of the pandemic. This suggests a hopeful outlook for maintaining affordable internet access for all.
Conclusion
The reinstatement of net neutrality regulations by the FCC is a significant step towards ensuring equal and fair access to the internet. It aligns with the SDGs by promoting affordable and universal connectivity, supporting innovation, and addressing national security concerns. The impact on internet prices will be closely monitored as these regulations take effect.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020 | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The article addresses the issue of net neutrality regulations, which is related to the development of industry, innovation, and infrastructure in the context of internet access.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article mentions the role of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in reinstating net neutrality regulations, which can be connected to the goal of ensuring peace, justice, and strong institutions through the regulation of internet access.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020
The reinstatement of net neutrality regulations can contribute to the target of providing universal and affordable access to the internet, as it prevents providers from blocking, slowing down, or favoring certain content for payment.
Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements
The article highlights the role of the FCC in protecting national security by stopping foreign-owned companies from operating broadband networks in the U.S. if they’re a security threat. This can be connected to the target of ensuring public access to information and protecting fundamental freedoms.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: scrippsnews.com
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