Republican Rep. Mike Coffman, is the first Republican to join ranks with the Democrats in support of a measure to undo the GOP repeal of Obama-era net neutrality rules.
Last year, the Republican-controlled FCC repealed the Obama-era rules preventing internet providers from charging more for higher speeds to some customers, like major retailers, who can afford better and faster websites, gaining a huge advantage over small businesses and regular customers who can’t afford the higher rates.
Coffman sought to delay the original repeal of the rules last year. His pending legislation is expected to try to restore key parts of the 2015 rules.
He said he doesn’t support every aspect of the 2015 rules, most crucially the classification of broadband as a utility-style service under Title II of the Communications Act.
Coffman says he sees repealing the rollback as a way to force Congress’ hand on legislating net neutrality.
