Senator Schatz Statement on FCC Chairman Wheeler’s Net Neutrality Proposal

Washington, DC – Today U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, issued the following statement on Federal Communications Commission Chairman Wheeler’s net neutrality proposal:

“I congratulate Chairman Wheeler for his leadership in putting forth a proposal to establish net neutrality rules tailored for the 21st century.  A free and open Internet is critical to fostering innovation and enabling continued investment in our nation’s broadband network.  It must continue to be a level playing field where everyone has an equal opportunity to compete.  I am pleased that the Chairman’s proposal bans blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization for both mobile and fixed broadband providers.  I believe that these new proposed rules provide clear regulatory guidance for industry while at the same time, preserving the FCC’s authority to prevent other forms of discrimination that threaten Internet openness in the future.”

Prior to Chairman Wheeler’s announcement, Senator Schatz authored an op-ed in the Huffington Post calling for clear net neutrality protections.

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