⚡ Get All Content for 20% Off ⚡

FCC Gives Public More Time to Speak Their Minds on Net Neutrality An avalanche of last-minute comments on a controversial proposal to allow Internet "fast lanes'' prompted the agency to extends its public comment period.

By Peter Page

entrepreneur daily

The Federal Communication Commission has extended the comment period on its proposed net neutrality rule to midnight Friday, July 18. The FCC's venerable "electronic comment filing system,'' installed in the days when only early adapters had dial-up modems, buckled under the weight of thousands of comments filed just before the Tuesday deadline.

Related: Public Deluges FCC With 677K Comments on Proposed 'Fast Lane' Rule

"Not surprisingly, we have seen an overwhelming surge in traffic on our website that is making it difficult for many people to file comments through our Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS)," wrote FCC press secretary Kim Hart in statement. "Please be assured that the commission is aware of these issues and is committed to making sure that everyone trying to submit comments will have their views entered into the record."

This is the second time a burst of comments on the proposed Open Internet Order, with its controversial provision allowing Internet "fast lanes", has crashed the ECFS, the first being in the wake of a scathing commentary by comedian John Oliver. Oliver famously said FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler protecting net neutrality was analogous to hiring a dingo as a babysitter.

Wheeler later stated publicly he is "not a dingo."

The public can file comments into the FCC system or by email at openinternet@fcc.gov.

Related: The Latest FCC Net Neutrality Rules Should Be Opposed

Peter Page

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior Editor for Green Entrepreneur

Peter Page's journalism career began in the 1980s in the Emerald Triangle writing about the federally-funded Campaign Against Marijuana Planting. He now writes and edits for Green Entrepreneur.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Remote Side Hustle a 43-Year-Old Musician Works on for 1 Hour a Day Earns Nearly $3,000 a Month: 'All From the Comfort of Home'

Sam Ziegler wanted to supplement his income as a professional drummer — then his tech skills and desire to help people came together.

Marketing

Ever Wonder Why Certain Websites Rank Higher Than Yours? This SEO Expert Reveals The Secret to Dominating Search Results

It's often the smart use of SEO, now supercharged with AI, particularly in keyword optimization.

Franchise

The Top Franchise Brands Growing Globally

While our main Fastest-Growing Franchises list focuses on North American growth, more and more brands are looking to grow worldwide. These are the 25 that had the greatest franchise growth outside the U.S. and Canada from July 2022 to July 2023.

Business News

Dollar Tree Is Closing 1,000 Family Dollar Stores

Dollar Tree acquired Family Dollar in 2015 for an estimated $8.5 billion.