“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.
"I think net neutrality has proven itself over the last 15 years to be pretty good for everyone involved. Obviously, consumers have gotten a lot of new stuff, and it's been good for the American economy and business growing on the Internet. And even the cable companies have real trouble complaining about a product that they make so much money on." — Tim Wu, Professor of Law, Columbia University
"There is ultimately a longer game here than net neutrality, which is what authority the FCC has into the future over broadband services. From an industry standpoint, ultimately they are probably more concerned from getting out from under FCC oversight than they are about authorization to engage in hypothetical discrimination." — Kevin Werbach, Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania
"It is virtually inevitable that some or many of the carriers will challenge the rules." — James Speta, Professor of Law, Northwestern University
"Once you’ve decided to take the bold step — apply Title II — and open yourself up to attacks from the industry and in court, it makes sense to put in everything you want." — Kevin Werbach, Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania
"And the norm — no fast lanes — has worked awfully well." — Tim Wu, Professor of Law, Columbia University
"It’s just very simple economics. The average market has one or two serious Internet providers, and they set their prices at monopoly or duopoly pricing. — Tim Wu, Professor of Law, Columbia Law School"
"There will be blood. There will be litigation." — Tim Wu, Professor of Law, Columbia University
"There is much at stake. The FCC's proposed rules threaten our ability to access the applications, content, and services of our choice -- the very principle behind "net neutrality," the idea that high-speed Internet providers should treat all types of Web content equally." — Barbara van Schewick, Professor of Law, Stanford University
In this interview with The Verge, Columbia law professor Tim Wu discusses his ballot fight for lieutenant governor of New York, tech policy’s terrible year, and why there may be new reason for optimism on net neutrality.
"What I'm suggesting is that net neutrality has supported and upheld this network as a platform for speech and innovation and noneconomic values, none of which is captured by antitrust scrutiny." — Tim Wu, Professor of Law, Columbia 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
Net neutrality law limits Internet Service Providers’ (ISPs) control of Internet uses and users. Federal net neutrality rules were repealed, but states should be able to enact their own net neutrality rules.
September 17, 2020
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