Media Center

“Congratulations to Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr on their confirmation to the FCC. Returning the FCC to full strength with five commissioners will allow the agency to fully address the communications needs of all Americans. We are particularly pleased that Geoffrey Starks can finally take a seat at the agency. At a time when large telecom and media gatekeepers threaten to harm our democracy, we need another strong voice for protecting an open internet, ensuring all Americans have affordable access to broadband, and putting an end to out-of-control media and telecom consolidation.”

Today, the United States Supreme Court rejected an appeal from the telecommunications industry seeking to vacate the D.C. Circuit’s 2016 decision to uphold the FCC’s 2015 net neutrality rules. The Supreme Court also declined to remove the precedential value of the D.C. Circuit’s 2016 opinion. The FCC under Chairman Ajit Pai repealed its 2015 net neutrality rules but monopoly cable and telephone companies also wanted the 2016 D.C. Circuit decision upholding the rules wiped from the record.

Yesterday, Common Cause joined The Greenlining Institute, Center for Media Justice, Color of Change, 18 Million Rising, Media Alliance, and Media Mobilizing Project in filing an amicus brief urging the Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit to vacate the Federal Communications Commission’s unlawful repeal of net neutrality. The groups argued that the FCC’s net neutrality rules are critical for civic engagement, civil rights, and democracy, particularly for communities of color.

Today Congressman Mike Coffman announced he is signing the discharge petition to restore the FCC’s net neutrality rules. Congressman Coffman will be the first House republican to sign the discharge petition.

Today, the Federal Communications Commission’s repeal of its net neutrality rules officially goes into effect. Internet service providers will now be free to block, throttle, or create fast lanes and slow lanes by charging websites extra fees to prioritize their content.

Common Cause applauds the Senate for passing the joint resolution to restore net neutrality. Special thanks to Senator Markey, Senator Schumer and others for their leadership on this important resolution to undo the FCC’s net neutrality repeal.