Net neutrality has created a great division between ISPs, Congress, the FCC and President Obama. While some are clearly in support of the upcoming Title II vote, others believe the expected number of restrictions will hinder business development and innovation. But it's very hard to figure out the exact details of the law without getting a look at the law. However, on the week of the FCC's vote, it's important to take time and note how one tweet revealed a lot about the regulations that Title II would create.
FCC commissioner Ajit Pai tweeted out a picture on Feb. 6 of the 332-page packet of regulations that would accompany the redefining of ISPs under Title II. Accompanying this photo was the wording, "here is President Obama's 332-plan to regulate the internet. I wish the public could see what's inside." The tweet received over 5,000 retweets. Pai, one of the two Republicans on the FCC board, has been a vocal critic of the redefinition of ISPs under Title II. The Hill reported that Pai had made previous statements about the regulations, declaring them to be "an unlawful power grab" that would increase fees, slow speeds and hurt competition. Pai also claims that Wheeler had misled the public and misrepresented the consequences of the reclassification.
Pai appears to be attempting to imply that all 332 pages are regulations and laws that might affect the Internet. However, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's special counsel responded to the tweet, saying that the "Text of #netneutrality rules are only 8 pages. Rest of proposal responds 2 record submitted by millions of Americans, as required by law."
While this early revelation is certainly helpful for making predictions about how large the regulations will be, it still doesn't help analysts or the public determine what specific regulations will come about. The final regulations won't be released to the public until after the vote is complete.
The FCC vote will occur on Thursday, Feb. 26.
