WASHINGTON — Following a vote today by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to dismantle net neutrality regulations, National League of Cities (NLC) President Mark Stodola, mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas, released the following statement:
“Today, the FCC took action to dismantle net neutrality and broadly preempt state and local authority to regulate broadband. Not only will today’s order harm local broadband choice and preempt local consumer protection authority, it permits internet service providers to engage in anticompetitive behaviors like blocking, throttling and paid prioritization. The FCC has created an environment that will discourage, rather than spur, competition and good citizenship by internet service providers in local markets. We hope that future action on net neutrality will restore and enshrine the ability of cities to protect their residents and promote robust broadband competition in their communities while expanding broadband access in underserved communities.”
Learn More:
- CitiesSpeak blog: Three Reasons Why Net Neutrality Matters for Cities
- Letter to from NLC and U.S. Conference of Mayors to the FCC on the draft order “Restoring Internet Freedom” (WC Docket No. 17-108)
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.