Media Contact: Mark Wigfield, (202) 418-0253 mark.wigfield@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC PROPOSES ENDING UTILITY-STYLE REGULATION OF THE INTERNET First Step Toward Restoring Internet Freedom, Promoting Investment, Innovation & Choice -- WASHINGTON, May 18, 2017 – The Federal Communications Commission today took the first step toward restoring Internet freedom and promoting infrastructure investment, innovation, and choice by proposing to end utility-style regulation of broadband Internet access service. In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC proposes to return to the bipartisan framework that preserved a flourishing free and open Internet for almost 20 years. First, the Notice proposes to reverse the FCC’s 2015 decision to impose heavy-handed Title II utility-style government regulation on Internet service providers (ISPs) and return to the longstanding, successful light- touch framework under Title I of the Communications Act. Second, the Notice proposes to return to the Commission’s original classification of mobile broadband Internet access service as a private mobile service. Given the historical innovation and success of the wireless marketplace prior to the Title II Order, this proposal is expected to substantially benefit consumers and the marketplace. Third, the Notice proposes to eliminate the catch-all Internet conduct standard created by the Title II Order. Because the Internet conduct standard is extremely vague and expansive, ISPs must guess at what they are permitted to do. Eliminating the Internet conduct standard is therefore expected to promote innovation and network investment by eliminating regulatory uncertainty. The Notice also seeks comment on whether the Commission should keep, modify, or eliminate the bright-line rules established by the Title II Order. Action by the Commission May 18, 2017 by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 17-60). Chairman Pai and Commissioner O’Rielly approving. Commissioner Clyburn dissenting. Chairman Pai, Commissioners Clyburn and O’Rielly issuing separate statements. WC Docket No. 17-108 ### Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 ASL Videophone: 1-844-432-2275 TTY: (888) 835-5322 Twitter: @FCC www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).