【2017 Archives】

2025-06-26 07:14:30 394 views 67392 comments

017 Archivesnet neutrality backlash just stepped up a notch.

Just weeks after the Federal Communications Commission controversially peeled back open internet rules, amid widespread protests and condemnation, Montana has taken the first steps in enforcing its own regulations.

SEE ALSO: Net neutrality's latest hope: 22 state attorneys general file lawsuit against FCC

The state's governor, Steve Bullock, signed an executive order Monday requiring any service providers with state contracts to follow net neutrality principles.

"Montana's future depends on a free and open internet," Bullock tweeted, adding that he hoped the state's initiative would inspire other states to follow suit. In a subsequent tweet he offered to pass on a copy of the order to make things easy.

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

“This is a simple step states can take to preserve and protect net neutrality. We can’t wait for folks in Washington DC to come to their senses and reinstate these rules,” he added in a statement.

Charter, CenturyLink, Verizon and AT&T are among the broadband providers with government contracts in the state, so the order would have far-reaching implications.

Earlier this month, attorneys general from 22 states sued over the repeal at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The lawmakers attacked the FCC's "arbitrary and capricious" changes to policy.

Bullock's pioneering order demands that companies don't block or narrow web content or create so-called "fast lanes." It goes into effect immediately, with a six month grace period for companies to check they're complying with the order.


Featured Video For You
Fisker's luxury electric car might be a Tesla killer

Topics FCC Net Neutrality

Comments (51337)
Treasure Information Network

Bargaining For the Common Good

2025-06-26 07:11
Upward Information Network

Old NASA space satellite crashes to Earth

2025-06-26 06:33
Star Sky Information Network

Contingent No More

2025-06-26 04:30
Search
Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.

Follow Us