If ISPs want to do business in the State New York, they must adhere to net neutrality principles. Now, it’s the law.
Republicans in Congress introduced a bill to prevent states from making their own net neutrality laws. But that bill hasn’t passed yet.
Even the FCC’s notorious rollback order says that states can’t enact their own, separately net neutrality rules. But that order needs to be enforced.
Accordingly, two state governors have now signed executive orders requiring ISPs to follow net neutrality guidelines in their respective states. If they don’t comply, they’ll lose their state contracts.
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Earlier this week, Montana governor Steve Bullock signed the first such net neutrality order. Just this morning, New York governor Mario Cuomo did the same.
As a result, any ISP is effectively breaking the law in either state if it enacts ‘fast lanes,’ ‘paid prioritization,’ or throttles or blocks certain sites.
In Montana, the executive order applies to contracts signed after July 1st. In New York, that date is March 1st, less than 45 days away.
That puts the spotlight on major providers like AT&T and Verizon, both whom provide services to millions New Yorkers. Already, AT&T’s CEO has spoken in favor net neutrality. Verizon, assailed as a fat cat crony FCC chairman Ajit Pai, has yet to respond.
Of course, New York is a bigger, more populous state than Montana. And it represents a serious challenge to the FCC’s ability to enact a nationwide policy on internet access.
Undoubtedly, other governors are preparing to follow suit. All which means that unless the FCC changes its strategy — fast — ISPs face a patchwork conflicting, state-by-state laws.
