Ohio Congressman Submits Bill Blocking FCC from Reclassifying Broadband as Utility

480px-Bob_Latta,_official_110th_Congress_photo_portraitIn our on going saga reporting on net neutrality, one potential outcome has always been Congress getting involved directly to craft legislation. Of course that knife can cut both ways, and while bills supporting online consumer protections have withered, a counterpoint has been introduced by Ohio Republican Bob Latta.

“At a time when the Internet economy is thriving and driving robust productivity and economic growth, it is reckless to suggest, let alone adopt, policies that threaten its success,” he said. “Reclassification would heap 80 years of regulatory baggage on broadband providers, restricting their flexibility to innovate and placing them at the mercy of a government agency.”

Latta’s bill would block the FCC’s ability to classify broadband networks as Title II or “Common Carriers”, the last threat the FCC had to keep carriers and ISPs in line.

Cable companies applauded the legislation, while we can be fairly sure that companies like Netflix, Google, and many other online services wont be thrilled by this latest move.

While we wait for the FCC’s proposed “Fastlane” rules which would essentially end the neutral internet, Ted Cruz is also planning on introducing similar legislation to the Senate.  No small wonder considering the teams of lobbyists currently campaigning in DC…