Senator led first calls for regulatory move backed by president today

WASHINGTON (November 10, 2014) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today praised President Barack Obama for backing Internet freedom by endorsing the idea to reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service. In July, Senator Markey led the call to make such a move, sending a letter to the Federal Communications Commission insisting that the Internet be protected by reclassifying broadband Internet access as a service under Title II of the Telecommunications Act. Senator Markey is also the author of the first Net Neutrality bill to be introduced in the House of Representatives.

Below is the statement of Senator Markey, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee:

“When the leader of the free world says the Internet should remain free, that’s a game changer.

“I commend President Obama for proudly standing up for an open Internet that will remain free of fast and slow lanes for consumers and companies. President Obama today joins millions of Americans who have made their voice heard loud and clear at the FCC. Net neutrality is as a basic to the functioning of the Internet as nondiscrimination is to the U.S. Constitution.  

“In July, I led a dozen of my Senate colleagues in urging the FCC to do what President Obama called for today: to reclassify broadband service as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Telecommunications Act. I will continue to press Chairman Wheeler to take this action as soon as possible to ensure the Internet remains the world’s greatest platform where the best in ideas can survive and thrive.”