Luján Applauds FCC Proposal to Restore Oversight of Internet Service Providers

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, released the following statement in support of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) circulation of a final rule to reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act, setting up a return to net neutrality and the FCC’s oversight of broadband internet:

“Today, New Mexicans know that access to the internet is critical—just as essential as access to heating, electricity, and legacy phone service. I commend Chairwoman Rosenworcel and the FCC for beginning the process of reclassifying broadband as a necessity for all Americans. This proposal will protect consumer privacy, give new tools to secure our broadband networks from foreign adversaries, and improve affordable access to the internet,” said Senator Luján. “This June marks the 90^th anniversary of the FCC. It has the expertise to safeguard our national security, advance public safety, protect consumers, and facilitate the equitable deployment of broadband internet, and it’s critical that the Commission has the authority needed to do so. As Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, I’m proud to support this rule change to ensure New Mexicans have better access to a reliable internet connection.”

Background:

Last year, Senator Luján joined Senate colleagues in urging to Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to expeditiously reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act and restore net neutrality protections.

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