Media Contact: 
Mark Wigfield, (202) 418-0253
mark.wigfield@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC ACTS TO RESTORE INTERNET FREEDOM
Reverses Title II Framework, Increases Transparency to Protect Consumers,
Spur Investment, Innovation, and Competition
  -- 
WASHINGTON, December 14, 2017—The Federal Communications Commission today voted 
to restore the longstanding, bipartisan light-touch regulatory framework that has fostered rapid 
Internet growth, openness, and freedom for nearly 20 years.
Following detailed legal and economic analysis, as well as extensive examination of comments 
from consumers and stakeholders, the Commission reversed the FCC’s 2015 heavy-handed 
utility-style regulation of broadband Internet access service, which imposed substantial costs 
on the entire Internet ecosystem. 
In place of that heavy-handed framework, the FCC is returning to the traditional light-touch 
framework that was in place until 2015.  Moreover, the FCC today also adopted robust 
transparency requirements that will empower consumers as well as facilitate effective 
government oversight of broadband providers’ conduct.  In particular, the FCC’s action today 
has restored the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission to act when broadband providers 
engage in anticompetitive, unfair, or deceptive acts or practices.     
The framework adopted by the Commission today will protect consumers at far less cost to 
investment than the prior rigid and wide-ranging utility rules.  And restoring a favorable 
climate for network investment is key to closing the digital divide, spurring competition and 
innovation that benefits consumers.  The Declaratory Ruling, Report and Order, and Order 
adopted by the Commission takes the following steps to achieve these goals:
Declaratory Ruling
? Restores the classification of broadband Internet access service as an “information 
service” under Title I of the Communications Act—the classification affirmed by the 
Supreme Court in the 2005 Brand X case.  
? Reinstates the classification of mobile broadband Internet access service as a private 
mobile service.
? Finds that the regulatory uncertainty created by utility-style Title II regulation has 
reduced Internet service provider (ISP) investment in networks, as well as hampered 
innovation, particularly among small ISPs serving rural consumers.
? Finds that public policy, in addition to legal analysis, supports the information service 
classification, because it is more likely to encourage broadband investment and 
innovation, thereby furthering the goal of closing the digital divide and benefitting the 
entire Internet ecosystem.
? Restores broadband consumer protection authority to the Federal Trade Commission 
(FTC), enabling it to apply its extensive expertise to provide uniform online 
protections against unfair, deceptive, and anticompetitive practices.
Report and Order
? Requires that ISPs disclose information about their practices to consumers, 
entrepreneurs, and the Commission, including any blocking, throttling, paid 
prioritization, or affiliated prioritization.
? Finds that transparency, combined with market forces as well as antitrust and consumer 
protection laws, achieve benefits comparable to those of the 2015 “bright line” rules at 
lower cost.
? Eliminates the vague and expansive Internet Conduct Standard, under which the FCC 
could micromanage innovative business models.
Order
? Finds that the public interest is not served by adding to the already-voluminous record 
in this proceeding additional materials, including confidential materials submitted in 
other proceedings.
The item takes effect upon approval by the Office of Management and Budget of the new 
transparency rule that requires the collection of additional information from industry.
Action by the Commission December 14, 2017 by Declaratory Ruling, Report and Order, and 
Order (FCC 17-166). Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly and Carr approving.  
Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel dissenting.  Chairman Pai, Commissioners Clyburn, 
O’Rielly, Carr and Rosenworcel issuing separate statements.
WC Docket No. 17-108
###
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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).