The City of Highland Park has been actively monitoring the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) vote to repeal net neutrality rules, allowing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block apps, slow websites, and charge fees to control public online access. The City is working with other local government entities; along with the Illinois Municipal League (IML) and the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) in monitoring the potential impact to residents and determine what can be done to protect consumers as a result of the net neutrality repeal and the FCC’s desire to further preempt state and local authority.
“Net neutrality is essential to ensuring a fair and accessible Internet. It is essential to our democracy, freedom of expression, and free speech,” stated Mayor Nancy Rotering. “Rolling back these protections means Internet providers would be able to charge people more for faster service, and even block certain parts of the Internet. That’s wrong and harmful to residents. The City will work to protect resident rights and wallets.”
City Manager Ghida Neukirch said, “Individually or collectively, municipalities have a public duty to regulate the right-of-way and telecommunications facilities within their communities. Illinois law specifically provides extensive discretion to cities and towns with respect to permitted uses and land use variances.” Neukirch continued, “Preempting state and local authority for the deployment of wireless facilities would be harmful and create a one size fits all approach would be regulated by the federal government.”
The FCC recently repealed neutrality for ISPs which was originally enacted in 2015 to provide equal access to internet content regardless of the source. The FCC order preempts any state or local law if the law conflicts with the U.S Government’s policy regarding broadband Internet service. Information and contacts for state and federal elected officials may be found by utilizing the Community Portal. The City encourages residents to contact these officials to express concerns regarding the FCC’s repeal of net neutrality and the preemption of local government authority over the deployment of wireless facilities.