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Net Neutrality update: Record number of comments

In response to a planned overhaul of net neutrality rules, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has received a record breaking number of comments, a few thousand of which have come from CUB supporters.

Roughly 2 million comments were filed in one day last week, when thousands of activists, individuals and tech companies participated in an online protest to educate people about net neutrality.

Net neutrality is the idea that Internet service providers should enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source, and without favoring or blocking particular products or websites.

The flood of support reflects the desire most Americans have towards the existing rules that would keep a free and open Internet.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has said he’s dead set on going forward with dismantling existing rules, calling them antiquated and stifling to business investment.

Chairman Pai said in a speech recently that “later this year, I am confident that we will finish the job,” of removing the Title II utility designation broadband service currently enjoys. Title II allows broadband service to be treated like a utility.

If the FCC does dismantle the rules, what would happen next? The two options seem to be a court challenge or Congress taking action to ensure legally enforceable, strong net neutrality rules that protect consumers.