Free Press: Despite Wheeler's Claims, FCC Proposal Doesn't Align with President's Position on Net Neutrality

WASHINGTON — On Friday, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler claimed he was "in agreement" with President Obama on the issue of Net Neutrality, even though his proposed rules would clear the way for tiered, pay-for-priority Internet access.

Last week the president voiced strong support for Net Neutrality and against paid prioritization, expressing concerns about "creating two or three or four tiers of Internet." Chairman Wheeler's remarks came during a press conference at the agency’s monthly open meeting.

Free Press President and CEO Craig Aaron made the following statement:

"Chairman Wheeler may think he and the president agree about Net Neutrality, but his proposed rules tell a different story. Unless the FCC reverses course and issues a new proposal, there is no way that Wheeler can square his rules with the president’s goals.

"As the court in January made clear, the only way the FCC can protect the open Internet, prevent paid prioritization and preserve an open communications pathway is by reclassifying broadband providers as common carriers. Common carriage is the only thing that will protect users from unreasonable discrimination. It's clear this is what both the president and the public want, and reclassification is the only way to achieve this goal. It's time for the agency to push aside all of the lies and scare tactics about Title II, and restore consumers' basic legal protections against unreasonable discrimination."