Media Contact: 
Claude Aiken, (202) 418-2100 Josh Tzuker, (202) 326-3279
Claude.aiken@fcc.gov jtzuker@ftc.gov
For Immediate Release
JOINT STATEMENT OF FCC COMMISSIONER MIGNON CLYBURN AND 
FTC COMMISSIONER TERRELL MCSWEENY
On Leaving Broadband Consumers and Competition Unprotected
  -
WASHINGTON, April 27, 2017 – “Today Chairman Pai released a plan that, if implemented, 
will hand over control of the open internet to the powerful gatekeepers of our connections to the 
modern world. Despite the Chairman’s description of the proposal as a way to reduce onerous 
regulation, stimulate investment, and protect consumer privacy, the proposal would do
otherwise. If adopted, Chairman Pai’s proposal will harm competition and innovation and will
leave consumers without any real protection or oversight by either the FTC or FCC for 
broadband services.
“The FCC’s majority would have you believe they are supporters of a free and open 
internet. Make no mistake, this proposal is net neutrality in name only. Here is what the proposal 
would really do. It would allow broadband providers to erect barriers or charge tolls to any 
application, connected device, or website that the broadband providers’ customers want to reach. 
It would allow broadband providers to favor their own content over others, and pick winners and 
losers on the internet. It would also create an environment where neither the FCC nor FTC could 
protect the privacy of the customers of some of our largest broadband companies. Ultimately, 
broadband providers could shape the future of internet content, mine and sell sensitive personal 
information, and limit consumer access to the internet in whatever manner they think will bring 
them the most profit.
“We believe Americans will see the Chairman’s proposal for what it is: a gift to
behemoth incumbent broadband providers at the expense of innovators and consumers. This is 
not putting #ConsumersFirst. As Commissioners of the FCC and FTC, we stand united in our 
fight to protect consumers and ensure that the 2015 Open Internet rules remain in place for 
decades to come.”
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Office of FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn: (202) 418-2100
Twitter: @MClyburnFCC
www.fcc.gov
Office of FTC Commissioner Terrell McSweeny: (202) 326-3279
Twitter: @TMcSweenyFTC
www.ftc.gov
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a 
Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).