FCC Chairman Pledges to Undo Net Neutrality Rules 'The torch at the FCC has been passed to a new generation,' Ajit Pai said.

By Angela Moscaritolo

This story originally appeared on PCMag

Bloomberg | Getty Images
Ajit Pai, chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

President Donald Trump's newly appointed Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai is serious about undoing current net neutrality regulations.

During a speech at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Pai called Obama administration net neutrality regulations a "mistake" as he pledged to "embrace what works and dispense with what doesn't."

"The torch at the FCC has been passed to a new generation, dedicated to renewal as well as change," Pai said. Calling for a "light-touch Internet regulation," he said the FCC is "on track to returning to that successful approach."

With former President Barack Obama's support, Pai's predecessor Tom Wheeler in 2014 pushed to classify broadband as a telecom service under Title II of the Communications Act rather than an information service. That gave the FCC more authority to regulate ISPs, and provided its net neutrality rules a stronger legal footing after years of court battles. The commission voted 3-2 in Feb. 2015 to approve the proposal.

During his speech at MWC, Pai likened the move to "last-century, utility-style regulation.

"Rules developed to tame a 1930s monopoly were imported into the 21st century to regulate the internet," he said. "This reversal wasn't necessary to solve any problem; we were not living in a digital dystopia. The policies of the Clinton Administration, the Bush Administration and the first term of the Obama Administration had produced both a free and open internet and strong incentives for private investment in broadband infrastructure."

He argued that current regulations "injected tremendous uncertainty into the broadband market," and said that stymied growth.

Going forward, "America's approach to broadband policy will be practical, not ideological," Pai said.

Pai's comments come after the FCC last week officially voted to exempt ISPs with 250,000 or fewer subscribers from the transparency requirements in the agency's net neutrality rules. The move, the FCC says, will free these ISPs "to devote more resources to operating, improving and building out their networks."

Angela Moscaritolo has been a PCMag reporter since January 2012. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

No Meetings, Up to $30 Per Hour, Fully Remote: A College Student Training AI Says the Work Is 'Perfect' for Introverts

He works 30 hours a week without a direct boss, daily meetings, or contact with coworkers.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Career

What Is 'Task Masking'? Young Workers Retaliate Against Return-to-Office Mandates With a Viral Strategy.

Many professionals value the flexibility of remote work — and they're not reacting well to forced in-office returns.

Business News

Cameo Is Giving Its Corporate Headquarters Employees a $10,000 Raise — to Come Into the Office More Often

Other new RTO perks include free parking, a daily catered lunch, and access to an onsite gym.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Money & Finance

He's Helping College Athletes Navigate a Multi-Billion-Dollar Industry — But His Top Money Tip Can Help Anybody Grow Substantial Wealth

Michael Haddix Jr. saw his father, a former NFL player, struggle with money management after retirement. Now, he wants student-athletes to secure their financial futures.