House Republican Introduces Legislation To Exempt Broadband Providers From USF Fees
Rep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va., introduced legislation Thursday that would “exempt providers of broadband Internet access service from Federal universal service contributions,” said the text for HR-1712. The two-page bill is called the Freedom From Internet Tax Act, said a copy…
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provided by Mooney’s spokesman. “Overzealous government bureaucrats should keep their hands off the internet,” Mooney told us in a statement Friday. “The President has proposed the internet be treated like a utility with the potential for fees, the cost of which would be passed on to users. Since its inception the internet has been a free and open tool for all to use and enjoy without interference from Washington. It should stay free and it should not be taxed.” The bill was referred to the Commerce Committee. Mooney isn't on Commerce. The bill has no co-sponsors. A concern at several oversight hearings this month involved broadband service becoming subject to such USF fees, which some connected with the FCC reclassification of broadband as a Communications Act Title II telecom service. Mooney’s legislation text provides a straightforward exemption for broadband providers, citing the FCC Feb. 26 net neutrality order for definitions of what constitutes such service.