“This amount of criticisms emphasizes the great interest the citizens has in this proceeding,” the senators wrote. “Given the unusual number of remarks, we request the FCC to increase the reply comment period to provide enough time for the people to guarantee their beliefs are revealed in the record.”
To date, Pai’s “Restoring Internet Freedom” plan to roll back Obama-era net neutrality rules aimed at building a level playing field for internet businesses has got more than 16 million observations, more than any other FCC item in history. The former record occurred during the FCC’s last net neutrality measures in 2014, in which the public filed about 4 million comments on the matter.
Democratic Sens. Brian Schatz (Hawaii), (Ore.) and (Minn.) were with those endorsing the letter to Pai.
The legislators also saw that the comment period for supporting net neutrality in 2014 was 60 days. Pai has only provided a 30-day comment period for his plan to roll back the rules.
“This process has the potential to affect all Americans and as the expert bureau, you should assure that the Commission presents ample time to ensure all voices are heard,” the senators wrote.
Democratic lawmakers, customer advocates and internet organizations like Reddit and Facebook back the net neutrality rules, while GOP legislators and telecom giants like AT&T and Comcast want them dismissed.
Critics say net neutrality has reduced stake in the broadband foundation and will lead to delayed and more expensive internet access for customers.
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