Wheeler: Keep net neutrality rules

Outgoing Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler fired shots at anyone looking to repeal net neutrality measures during his farewell speech on Friday.

Speaking at the Aspen Institute, Wheeler said that repealing the open internet or net neutrality policies would be a mistake.

“We must not forget that the proposals being floated would take away benefits that Americans now enjoy,” Wheeler told the crowd.

{mosads}He said changing the rules would threaten innovation, productivity gains and competitiveness with foreign trading partners.

Net neutrality measures aimed at limiting internet service providers’ ability to set deals with companies and content providers has been Wheeler’s flagship policy since President Obama appointed him FCC chairman in 2009.

Supporters argue that the proposals protect consumers and smaller internet companies, something that Wheeler underlined during his speech.

“Those who build and operate networks have both the incentive and the ability to use the power of the network to benefit themselves even if doing so hurts their own customers and the greater public interest,” Wheeler said.

There isn’t a lot Wheeler can do to stop a repeal of net neutrality measures after his departure though. Republican Commissioners Mike O’Rielly and Ajit Pai, who will remain at the FCC, have indicated their interest in rolling back net neutrality, and Trump’s FCC landing team is stacked with opponents who have blasted the regulations.

Wheeler will step down on Jan. 20. His successor has not been officially named but many in the industry expect Pai to be named the next chairman.

Republicans will then have a 2-1 majority, with Mignon Clyburn remaining as the sole Democratic commissioner until another Democrat and another Republican receives confirmation.