The FCC on Thursday voted to restore net neutrality rules that will allow the commission to regulate broadband as a “common carrier” service. The order also forbears from a number of Title II statutory provisions, including most notably requiring broadband services to contribute to the Universal Service Fund (USF). NTCA had previously advocated in the proceeding for a more holistic analysis of the entire online ecosystem and the interconnection of networks and platforms rather than a focus upon retail broadband service providers. Leading up to the vote, NTCA also emphasized that forbearance from contribution obligations—especially if not approached carefully—could complicate ongoing USF reform efforts.

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