The conversation about bringing net neutrality back to Pennsylvania is warming up in Harrisburg. The Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing on the topic in January to get more information from stakeholders.

When the FCC reclassified Broadband Internet Access Service in 2017, net neutrality rules set during the Obama administration were repealed. One state Senator from Philadelphia is trying to restore them.

“The internet in my opinion, and I think others, should be open and accessible,” says Senator Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia).

Net neutrality is the principle that Internet Service Providers, or ISPs, provide equal access to all internet content, regardless of source. Without it, ISPs can block or dictate content offered by competitors, which some say violates consumer rights.

“The right of people to pay an internet service provider, and have their data transmitted as opposed to manipulated,” says Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Philadelphia).

Senator Farnese has introduced legislation to restore net neutrality rules.

“Some of the highlights in the legislation we’re putting in is to add ISPs to the list of public utilities, allow PUC (Public Utility Commission) regulation, require providers to follow net neutrality, ban paid prioritization, and prohibiting Pennsylvania from contracting with non-neutral providers,” Senator Farnese explains.

Senate Bill 392 would create guidelines for broadband internet providers to keep internet access equal. Senate Bill 393 would add ISPs to the list of public utilities, allowing the PA Public Utility Commission to regulate and monitor them.

“Without Net Neutrality, ISPs are free to divide the internet into fast lanes for those that can afford it, and slow lanes for everyone else,” says Joshua Stager, Senior Policy Counsel with the Open Technology Institute.

Both Senate Bills are awaiting action in the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee.