The Divide: Free Press' Josh Stager on the FCC's move to restore Title II oversight

The FCC last week voted to proceed with a notice of proposed rulemaking for its order on "Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet" that would officially restore Title II authority over broadband providers and revive net neutrality once again.

That vote now kicks off months of debate, with initial comments on the FCC's proposal due in mid-December, and industry opponents and their lawyers already sharpening their arguments against it. The FCC is expected to adopt the order sometime next year.

On today's podcast, we hear from Josh Stager, policy director at Free Press, a group that has long advocated for Title II rules. Stager shares his thoughts on the importance of the FCC's latest open Internet proceeding and why it matters when it comes to closing the digital divide. He also responds to various arguments industry players have cited thus far in statements opposing the rules, including that a return to Title II will drive down broadband investment.

Here are a few topics we cover in this episode:

Related:FCC Chair starts process to restore Title II authority over ISPs

For a lightly edited transcript, click the caption button on the video player above.