New bill proposes net neutrality for ‘fair Internet access’ in Pennsylvania

(WHTM) — A new bill proposes providing “fair Internet that provides equal access” to Pennsylvanians.

The bill, circulated by Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El (D-49) and Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-184), aims to regulate large companies providing Internet services and ensure their services will be transmitted fairly without manipulating Internet access and prices consumers pay.

In a memo, Rep. Smith-Wade-El and Fiedler cite a previous decision to strike down the Federal Communication Commission’s net neutrality rule on January 2 as the government removing necessary federal protections that caused consumer prices to increase. The memo says the rule required all Internet service providers (ISPs) to treat all consumers equally.

The memo says the bill will make it illegal for ISPs to block lawful Internet content, impede Internet traffic, or engage in any activity that would negatively affect the experience of Pennsylvania Internet users.

The bill has not been submitted for introduction to the state legislature, yet.