In 2017, the FCC issued a proposal to rollback the 2015 Open Internet Order and voted to dismantle its net neutrality regulations.

The repeal of the 2015 net neutrality rules become final 60 days after the FCC’s order is published in the Federal Register, a daily publication of the US federal government that issues proposed and final administrative regulations of federal agencies.

The rules have not yet been published so the time clock has not yet started. Once the roll back is final, we can expect supporters of net neutrality to file lawsuits challenging the FCC’s authority.

At the same time, Congress will consider legislation to write into law net neutrality protections. NAR supports legislation that will protect American businesses and consumers by preventing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from blocking, throttling, or discriminating against Internet traffic and prohibit paid prioritization (fast lane) arrangements.

NAR has actively supported net neutrality for years.

Why Net Neutrality is Important for REALTORS®

The business of real estate is increasingly conducted online. Streaming video, virtual tours and voice-over-internet-protocol are just some of the technologies that are commonly used by real estate professionals today.

In the future, new technologies will be adopted which will no doubt require unencumbered network access.

On Dec. 14, 2017, the FCC voted to dismantle its net neutrality regulations.

A rollback of net neutrality rules could raise costs on business owners, like real estate professionals, who make heavy use of technology and online platforms. In particular, paid-prioritization models and other anti-competitive practices could put small businesses at a significant disadvantage.

For example, larger companies could pay for internet fast lanes that deliver content to consumers faster on some websites than from others.

Want more? Latest information and full resources about net neutrality.

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Timeline

  • April 2015: The FCC published a rule implementing open internet regulations that prohibit the blocking or degrading of lawful content on the internet by internet service providers.
  • November 2017: The FCC released a plan to dismantle these landmark regulations that ensure equal access to the internet, clearing the way for internet service companies to charge users more to see certain content and to curb access to some websites.
  • December 14, 2017: The FCC voted to dismantle its net neutrality regulations.