WASHINGTON, DC - Today, after the Trump Administration announced that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will vote on December 14 on a plan to undo landmark net neutrality rules, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:

“The Trump Administration’s plan to dismantle net neutrality will undermine the principles of a free and open internet and there’s every reason to think consumers will ultimately pay the price.  This repeal will benefit a few big companies at the expense of their customers who use the internet every day.  It means Internet Service Providers (ISPs) won’t have to treat all content equally, and that could lead to anti-competitive practices where companies can charge extra fees or slow down services if you don’t pay a premium.  The FCC’s actions come on the heels of its move to loosen rules designed to limit monopoly control of local broadcast properties.

“Consumers should be aware that President Trump’s appointee, Chairman Ajit Pai, has introduced these changes.  The American people should speak up now or be prepared for new internet fees and restrictions down the road.  I urge people to tell their elected representatives and the FCC to support net neutrality.” 

Rhode Islanders wishing to weigh in on the matter may contact Senator Reed’s office at (401) 943-3100 or contact the FCC directly at: https://www.fcc.gov/about/contact