Trump's new FCC boss has already set the stage for a less open internet
Last week, the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) closed multiple inquiries led by former chairman Tom Wheeler into the data-cap exemption - colloquially known as "zero-rating" - policies of various internet service providers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Comcast.
Previously, Wheeler, who stepped down from his position once President Donald Trump took office, oversaw a months-long back-and-forth between the FCC and those ISPs. That resulted in the commission casting doubt on the legality of the zero-rating policies of AT&T and, to a lesser extent, Verizon. The concern was that such programs could be anti-competitive and stand in contrast to the net-neutrality rules set by the 2015 Open Internet Order.
Those findings are now moot. Upon closing the inquiries, the WTB's notice said the results of Wheeler's investigation would have "no legal or other effect or meaning going forward."
Pai reinforced that finality. "These free-data plans have proven to be popular among consumers, particularly low-income Americans, and have enhanced competition in the wireless marketplace," he said in a statement. "Going forward, the Federal Communications Commission will not focus on denying Americans free data."
This is noteworthy.