FCC Vote Restoring Net Neutrality a Win For Older Consumers

En español | AARP applauds the Federal Communications Commission for its decision Thursday to reinstate net neutrality, a move that restores federal oversight of the broadband industry and helps protect consumers from slow or unreliable internet access.

“Net neutrality means anyone in America can access the content of their choosing without experiencing slowdowns in internet service and receive reliable service in times of emergency or natural disaster,” Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s chief advocacy and engagement officer, said in a statement.

The FCC’s 3-2 decision brings back regulations rescinded in 2017 and allows the FCC to regulate internet service like a public utility, a major victory for AARP in our fight for internet accessibility. The telecom industry has opposed the rules.

Without net neutrality, AARP and other consumer advocates argued, internet providers could potentially block or slow consumers’ access to competitors’ online content or services, or boost their own. Consumers are also more vulnerable to online fraud and scams and violations of their privacy, we wrote in comments submitted to the FCC last December urging the commission to restore the rules.

“Everyone in America should have access to a fast, fair, and open internet to conduct work, buy goods, access health care and stay connected to family and friends,” LeaMond said.

Read our statement, and learn more about AARP’s efforts to ensure older adults have reliable and affordable internet access.

Natalie Missakian covers federal and state policy and writes AARP’s Fighting for You Every Day blog. She previously worked as a reporter for the New Haven Register and daily newspapers in Ohio. She has also written for the AARP Bulletin, the Hartford Business Journal and other publications.

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