Western South Dakota News

Jan 25, 2024 - U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) criticized the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) proposed net neutrality regulations in a speech on the Senate floor. Thune argued that the Biden administration's plan would give the government excessive control over the internet and could result in higher costs for consumers. He also pointed out that broadband investment and internet speeds have increased since the repeal of similar regulations during the Obama administration. Thune led a letter with more than 40 colleagues urging FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to abandon the proposed regulations.

Net neutrality, the idea that internet service providers should not prioritize or block certain internet traffic, has bipartisan support. However, Thune argued that the Biden FCC's proposal goes beyond true net neutrality and seeks to assert broad new government powers over the internet. He highlighted that these rules were originally designed for telephone monopolies during the Great Depression and were previously implemented during the Obama administration.

Thune pointed to the negative consequences of the Obama FCC's net neutrality regulations, which led to increased government regulations and a decline in broadband investment. This decline in investment was particularly detrimental to rural states like South Dakota, where expanding access to broadband is already challenging. In contrast, the repeal of these regulations by the FCC under Chairman Pai in 2017 resulted in the flourishing of innovation, increased competition, and faster internet speeds.

The senator also compared the United States to Europe, where internet regulation is more heavy-handed. He noted that American networks had no problem keeping up with increased internet usage during the pandemic, while European service providers had to slow internet speeds to maintain connectivity. Thune argued that the Biden FCC's net neutrality proposal is unnecessary and could create problems where none exist.

Thune raised concerns about the Biden administration's potential abuse of regulatory power and its far-left economic and social agenda. He warned that the proposed regulations could hasten the demise of the free and open internet they are meant to protect. Additionally, Thune and more than 40 colleagues have called for the Biden FCC to abandon the proposal to prevent potential increases in internet costs and the loss of the United States' leadership in internet technology.

In conclusion, Thune emphasized that the Biden FCC's net neutrality proposal is a solution in search of a problem. He urged his colleagues from both parties to oppose the measure and protect a free, open, and thriving sector of the economy.