Thread by @gigibsohn

Super disappointed in this #netneutrality column by @ShiraOvide feat @ceciliakang. It misses the mark badly in so many ways. nytimes.com/2021/02/25/tec…

@ShiraOvide @ceciliakang 2 focus on the no blocking, throttling & discrimination mandates really is seeing half the story. What the Trump @FCC did in 2017, in addition 2 repealing the #netneutrality rules, was to abdicate its legal authority 2 protect consumers & competition in the #broadband market.

@ShiraOvide @ceciliakang @FCC That legal authority (Title II) gives the @FCC the power 2 protect consumers, promote competition & close the digital divide. Every action the @FCC takes 2 strengthen #Lifeline or give $$$ for rural #broadband deployment is on shaky legal ground without Title II authority.

@ShiraOvide @ceciliakang @FCC The Trump @FCC's abdication of that authority gave California firefighters no recourse when Verizon throttled their broadband during the Mendocino Complex Fire, & resulted in no @FCC action when mobile companies sold customers' data 2 bounty hunters. So it's not victimless.

@ShiraOvide @ceciliakang @FCC If the #COVD19 pandemic has shown us anything about #broadband, it's that it is essential 2 work, learn, see a doctor, etc. But w/o Title II authority, the Trump @FCC was left begging cable & telcos not 2 cut off customers or charge late fees, which they did 4 a few months.

@ShiraOvide @ceciliakang @FCC Without Title II legal authority, any bold moves a Biden @FCC might make 2 close the #digitaldivide will be legally suspect.

@ShiraOvide @ceciliakang @FCC While I'm 100% on board with concerns about the gatekeeper power of #bigtech, policymakers can walk and chew gum at the same time. They can address the gatekeeper power of both industries & restore the @FCC's authority 2 protect consumers &b competition.

@ShiraOvide @ceciliakang @FCC Oh, & BTW, no #netneutrality makes #bigtech even more powerful, as they can pay 4 faster speeds & better quality of service, further crushing competitors.

@ShiraOvide @ceciliakang @FCC So to say that the debate over #netneutrality is "pointless" is not only wrong, it's a slap in the face of the millions of Americans who weighed in with @FCC in support in 2014-2015 & 2017. I was at the @FCC in the 1st instance & let me tell you - people care. A LOT.

@ShiraOvide @ceciliakang @FCC So when it's at full strength, the Biden @FCC must reinstate Title II legal authority & net neutrality rules. And Congress must follow that up by codifying both into law. Rant is over!