JASON RANTZ

Rep. Drew Hansen: States can protect net neutrality

Dec 16, 2017, 2:08 AM

Net neutrality, internet...

The FCC voted to eliminate net-neutrality protections for the internet on Dec. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

“The net neutrality rules protect against internet service providers deciding to block lawful content, to throttle or slow down lawful content, or to have paid priority,” State Representative Drew Hansen told KTTH’s Jason Rantz.

RELATED: Lawmakers unite to protect internet privacy in Washington

The Federal Communications Commission voted to overturn the Obama-era net neutrality rules on December 14.

“I think that’s a stupid idea,” Hansen said. “I don’t understand why they would rip away these rules that actually preserve the free and open internet that’s served us well. I mean, we have Republicans who agree with this, Democrats who agree with this. I honestly don’t know what they’re doing.”

Internet companies have always been allowed to charge more money for faster service, something Hansen said he is on board with. However, what those companies haven’t been able to do under net neutrality rules is charge more money for consumers to view particular content.

“Let the companies providing the actually content decide what they’re going to charge and let the markets sort it out. Don’t let Comcast and Verizon put their thumb on the scale,” Hansen said.

Getting rid of net neutrality might be especially harmful to people in rural areas, where people have far less choice when it comes to internet providers, Hansen said.

“The broadband companies effectively have a monopoly in many areas of this state, particularly in the more rural areas,” he said.

RELATED: Life without net neutrality hard to imagine in Seattle

Although the FCC has already made its decision regarding the rules, Hansen it isn’t over yet. Individual states may have the right to overrule the FCC and decide to keep net neutrality rules in place.

“The states have always had broad consumer protection authority. We regulate consumer protection on the internet all the time,” he said. “There’s no general preemption authority. You have to have a constitutional provision or a statute that gives Congress the authority to preempt state laws.”

Washington’s Attorney General Bob Ferguson has said he will challenge the FCC’s ruling. Governor Jay Inslee also said he will work toward protecting consumers at the state level.

“Republicans and Democrats alike get this one,” Hansen said. “We get that it should not be the cable companies’ choice how fast you see particular content on the internet or what gets a fast lane and what gets a slow lane.”

Jason Rantz on AM 770 KTTH
  • listen to jason rantzTune in to AM 770 KTTH weekdays at 3-7pm toThe Jason Rantz Show.

Jason Rantz Show

Jason Rantz

Image: Seattle Police Department officers arrest a woman caught driving a stolen car full of stolen...

Jason Rantz

Rantz: Activists to harass cops with Seattle Police complaint campaign

A Seattle Police complaint campaign by activists amounts to little more than harassment. But it could backfire, generating sympathy for cops.

9 hours ago

Image: A Boeing 737 Max 10 airliner taxis past a hanger on the flight line before its first flight ...

Jason Rantz

Rantz: It’s time for Washington to worry about Boeing surviving

Boeing controversy after controversy, plus bad press, threatens the company's future. Washington should be very worried right now.

1 day ago

Image: Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks to supporters dur...

Jason Rantz

Rantz: Trump ‘bloodbath’ controversy is the latest media invention

When President Donald Trump used the term "bloodbath," the media became unhinged. He wasn't talking about violence, but the auto industry.

2 days ago

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: KTTH Roundtable: Will TikTok Be Banned?

A local mystery was solved in Los Angeles (with a surprising end result) and Jason Rantz and Bryan Suits tackle the arguments behind the TikTok ban. Listen to The Bryan Suits Show weekdays from 6 a.m. – 9 a.m. on AM 770 KTTH or on-demand wherever you listen to podcasts. Listen to The Jason Rantz […]

4 days ago

Inset: Headshot of Seattle Police Department (SPD) Captain Deanna Nollette; Primary photo: An SPD v...

Jason Rantz

Rantz: Officer suing Seattle police for gender discrimination accused of gender bias

Seattle police officers said Captain Deanna Nollette, who sued the department for gender bias, is "notorious" for mistreating female officers.

5 days ago

Kim Wyman...

Bill Kaczaraba

Is ex-Secretary of State Kim Wyman running for that office again?

Rumors are spreading that former Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman is running for that office again.

6 days ago

Rep. Drew Hansen: States can protect net neutrality