We all heard about the Net Neutrality rules being finalized, and we all readied ourselves for lawsuits against it from the big providers. However, Net Neutrality activist group Free Press – one of the strongest supporters of Net Neutrality – was first to drop their lawsuit paperwork off. Why would a group that is dedicated to freedom of the web challenge the very rules that would help their cause? Because, they claim, they are too weak.
The biggest beef that Free Press has with the rules is the exemption of wireless providers from the anti-discrimination policies. Free Press believes that wireless providers should be treated no differently from wired providers. They’ve got a point. So many of us rely on our phones and 3G/4G hotspot devices for our internet access that it’s silly to separate that from wired connections. How is the future supposed to be wireless if wireless providers don’t have to follow the rules that traditional providers do?
Matt Wood, director of Free Press released a statement regarding their lawsuit:
Our challenge will show that there is no evidence in the record to justify this arbitrary distinction between wired and wireless Internet access. The disparity that the FCC’s rules create is unjust and unjustified. And it’s especially problematic because of the increasing popularity of wireless, along with its increasing importance for younger demographics and diverse populations who rely on mobile devices as their primary means for getting online.
This suit will make it very difficult for the FCC to move forward, as they’re going to be trying work while being yelled at from both sides of the issue. One can only hope that clear heads prevail, and true neutrality is granted to the internet.
Source: Ars Technica
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