US FCC chief's departure could jeopardise net neutrality

With Federal Communications Commission chairman Tom Wheeler's set to depart next month, his signature initiative - the net neutrality rule that was slammed by cable and telephone companies would be under jeopardy.

The groundbreaking set of regulations, passed in 2015 by Wheeler and his Democratic majority, barred internet service providers from blocking or slowing rivals' content.

Companies such as AT&T Inc, Verizon Communications Inc and the cable industry led by Comcast Corp sued over the rule, saying it gave the agency too much authority.

Though they lost that case, some Republicans  vowed to take up the cause and overturn the regulation when they had control of Congress, the White House and the FCC.

Wheeler, who announced yesterday that he would leave the commission on 20 January, when Donald Trump was scheduled to be sworn in, said overturning the rules might not be so easy. Even though the Republicans would gain a 2-1 FCC majority, federal law required that they show good reasons if they were to change the rule, Wheeler said at a news conference.

"There'll be a burden to demonstrate what has changed so drastically'' since the rule was passed in 2015, Wheeler said. "Then the question of course is ultimately going to be resolved by the courts" which had backed the agency's approach.

Meanwhile, the FCC said in a news release, "Today, Chairman Tom Wheeler, after more than three years at the helm of the agency, announced he intends to leave the Federal Communications Commission on January 20, 2017.  Chairman Wheeler issued the following statement:

" 'Serving as F.C.C. Chairman during this period of historic technological change has been the greatest honor of my professional life. I am deeply grateful to the President for giving me this opportunity. I am especially thankful to the talented Commission staff for their service and sacrifice during my tenure. Their achievements have contributed to a thriving communications sector, where robust investment and world-leading innovation continue to drive our economy and meaningful improvements in the lives of the American people. It has been a privilege to work with my fellow Commissioners to help protect consumers, strengthen public safety and cybersecurity, and ensure fast, fair and open networks for all Americans.' ''