Industry, Consumer Groups Lobby FCC Aides on Net Neutrality Proposal

Industry groups and consumer advocates had multiple meetings with FCC aides on a draft NPRM that would officially kick off the commission's efforts to restore net neutrality rules, per several ex parte filings posted Thursday in docket 23-320 (see 2309280084). NTCA said in separate meetings with aides to Commissioners Anna Gomez and Nathan Simington that the FCC should "recognize and seek input on the multi-sided nature of the internet ecosystem" if it examines internet traffic exchange. It also urged the commission to ask "open-ended questions" in its proceeding to "develop a meaningful and balanced record regarding the potential benefits and costs of proposed forbearance from contribution obligations." Lumen raised similar concerns with the Wireline Bureau and aides to Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. It asked the FCC to seek comment on whether it should apply rules to internet traffic exchange and on "which rules it should apply." Title II regulation "would have a disproportionately adverse impact" on Wireless ISP Association members, the group said in a meeting with a Rosenworcel aide. "The draft NPRM must be more explicit in contemplating substantial steps to eliminate the negative impact of common carrier regulation on small providers," WISPA said. Public Knowledge had separate meetings with aides to Gomez, Starks and Rosenworcel on state preemption. It asked the FCC to seek comment on circumstances where "total preemption may be contrary to the public interest," such as in instances of digital discrimination, public safety and network reliability. The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society urged the Office of General Counsel to clarify the status of pending petitions for reconsideration of the FCC's restoring internet freedom order either separately or as part of the draft proceeding.