DEPARTMENT: Information and Technology Services Department (ITSD)
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Craig Hopkins (ITSD); Chief Information Officer
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Council Consideration Request (CCR) from Councilmember Pelaez - Request discussion of net neutrality and open internet access policies due to the recent repeal of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Net Neutrality Order.
SUMMARY:
On March 13, 2018, Councilmember Pelaez submitted a CCR requesting that City staff provide recommendations on policies that would ensure San Antonio residents have access to an open Internet and online city services, free of blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization, regardless of income or zip code. Those recommendations could include changes to contracting policies and language for city services, systematic monitoring of Internet service providers (ISPs) for blocking or throttling, new notices to protect and inform residents and consumers, and possible enforceable penalties for violations. Staff from ITSD, Procurement, and City Attorney's office have met to better understand the changes to the recently released (January 4, 2018) Net Neutrality order from the FCC.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Net Neutrality Defined
The idea, principle, or requirement that Internet service providers should enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source, and without favoring or blocking particular products or websites.
FCC's Recent Net Neutrality Order (adopted December 14, 2017, & released January 4, 2018)
Reversed the FCC's 2015 decision to classify broadband Internet access service as a "telecommunications service," and restored the "information service" classification that had been in effect for almost 20 years.
* Telecommunications services are regulated as common carrier services and are subject to utility-style regulation; e.g., regulation of prices, and terms and conditions of service offerings to consumers.
* Information services are...
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