Net Neutrality

Net Neutrality

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Net neutrality is shorthand for the concept that internet users should be in control of what content they view and what applications they use on the internet. Net neutrality policies ensure that service providers cannot block or throttle internet traffic – regardless of the sites that users visit or the devices they use. NAR supports legislative and regulatory efforts to ensure that internet providers adhere to net neutrality practices. Net neutrality practices are essential to ensure that REALTOR® content may be freely and efficiently distributed online.

In April 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), chaired by Tom Wheeler, published a rule implementing open internet regulations that prohibit the blocking or degrading of lawful content on the internet by internet service providers.

In November 2017, the FCC, under chairman Ajit Pai, released a plan to dismantle these landmark regulations that ensure equal access to the internet, clearing the way for internet service companies to charge users more to see certain content and to curb access to some websites.

On December 14, 2017, the FCC voted on to dismantle its net neutrality regulations. See how the FCC plan hurts REALTORS® and their businesses in this video produced by NAR a week before the FCC voted to dismantle its net neutrality regulations.

On June 11, 2018, the FCC's repeal of net neutrality rules took effect.

On October 1, 2019, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the FCC’s decision but found that the FCC had overstepped its authority when it banned states from enacting their own net neutrality rules. California, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont and Washington have already enacted legislation or adopted resolutions protecting net neutrality. Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia have introduced bills and resolutions. NAR will continue to work with Congress and the FCC to protect our members’ ability to freely share lawful content on the internet.

Advocacy

What is the fundamental issue?

REALTORS® support net neutrality, which requires that broadband networks be free of restrictions on content, sites, or platforms. Networks should not restrict the equipment nor modes of communication allowed on them. Networks should ensure that communication is not unreasonably degraded by other communication streams.

I am a real estate professional. What does this mean for my business?

Real estate businesses are increasingly relying on technologies that require unrestricted network access. Examples include streaming videos, virtual tours, and social media. Net neutrality is a policy debate about how internet service providers (ISPs) should manage internet traffic. Proponents of net neutrality argue that ISPs should treat all data equally, preventing them from slowing down specific websites or charging extra for access to certain content.

NAR Policy on Net Neutrality

NAR supports requiring broadband providers to adhere to net neutral practices:

Consumers are entitled to access the lawful Internet content of their choice;
Consumers are entitled to run applications and services of their choice, subject to the needs of law enforcement;
Consumers are entitled to connect their choice of legal devices that do not harm the network;
Consumers are entitled to competition among network providers, application and service providers, and content providers;
Network providers should not discriminate among internet data transmissions on the basis of the source of the transmission as they regulate the flow of network content;
Broadband providers must be transparent about the service they provide and how they run their network and;
These principles should apply to both wireless and wireline networks.

Legislative/Regulatory Status/Outlook

The FCC recently voted to strengthen net neutrality protections. On April 25th, they passed a 3-2 vote to reclassify internet access as a telecommunications service. This means it will be regulated under Title II of the Communications Act, which gives the FCC more power.

The FCC says this change will allow them to better:

Protect national security
Improve public safety
Help consumers
Encourage internet expansion
Increase access to broadband

It's important to note that the FCC won't regulate internet providers like traditional utilities. Instead, they'll focus on creating new rules specifically for how internet traffic is handled.

These new rules were effective July 22, 2024.

NAR Committee

Federal Technology Policy Committee

Net Neutrality

Advocacy

What is the fundamental issue?

I am a real estate professional. What does this mean for my business?

NAR Policy on Net Neutrality

Legislative/Regulatory Status/Outlook

NAR Committee

Current Legislation/Regulation

In-Depth

Legislative Contact(s):

Regulatory Contact(s):