“Net Neutrality” refers to the concept of an “open Internet” whereby end-users can access the lawful content, applications, services and devices of their choice. Policymakers around the world are considering whether and how to ensure that the Internet remains “open” and Internet access service providers do not improperly block or degrade content sent over their networks.
"Despite ISPs’ clearly stated threats and attempts to circumvent net neutrality protections, Pai wants to unilaterally disarm the FCC and move broadband providers from light-touch regulation to no regulation. That would be disaster for the Internet ecosystem. The U.S. has always had a free and open Internet precisely because of net neutrality protections." — Barbara van Schewick, Professor of Law, Stanford University
"You can change your mind so long as you justify it and explain why the policy has changed." — Christopher Yoo, Professor of Law, University of Pennsylvania
"It’s an ‘open the champagne bottles’ moment for AT&T. They can just tell people to pony up." — Tim Wu, Professor of Law, Columbia University
"An allowance of blocking is really pretty shocking." — Tim Wu, Professor of Law, Columbia University
"The idea that there’s a nuclear winter in broadband, or even just in rural broadband, because of the Title II classification just doesn’t make sense." — Kevin Werbach, Associate Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, Wharton School of Business
Wharton School of Business professor Kevin Werbach is interviewed for this article, which discusses the proposed plan by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to change the rules on net neutrality. Chairman Pai will seek to roll back the classification of Internet service providers (ISPs) so that they are no longer treated like a public utility with strict regulations.
"I’m hopeful that the FCC won’t be defanged entirely, and that even without the Open Internet Order the agency will still act against anticompetitive behavior among the large internet companies." — James Speta, Professor of Law, Northwestern University
"...net neutrality is pro-business in the best and fullest sense of the term, guaranteeing that new companies can grow unimpeded and help accelerate the US economy." — Nicholas Economides, Professor of Economics, New York University
"The right has for a long time had an agenda that suggests that the role of the FCC should be significantly curtailed. I think it’s quite likely that will be the agenda of this new administration." — Kevin Werbach, Associate Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, University of Pennsylvania
"T-Mobile’s Binge On is aptly named — it feels good in the short-term but harms consumers in the long run. The program limits user choice, distorts competition, stifles innovation, and harms free speech on the Internet. If more ISPs offer similar programs, these harms will only grow worse." — Barbara van Schewick, Professor of Law, Stanford University
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Stanford law professor Barbara van Schewick explains why AT&T’s decision to suspend its sponsored data program is a “win for an open and free internet.”
March 26, 2021
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Fact Sheets
Given the significance of the Internet, preserving its “openness” – an idea often referred to as “network neutrality” or “net neutrality” – has been a long-standing issue.
Featured Article
This paper looks at ideas to support open access to the Internet, including net neutrality rules.
June 4, 2003
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