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Survey: Huge Bipartisan Majority Oppose Net Neutrality Repeal

A bipartisan, overwhelming majority oppose the FCC's attempt to repeal net neutrality protections. According to a new survey out of the University of Maryland (pdf), 86% of the country opposes the FCC's decision to roll back net neutrality protections at ISP lobbyist behest. Like past surveys, support for net neutrality and opposition to Ajit Pai's repeal is overwhelmingly bipartisan, with 82% of Republicans and 90% of Democrats opposing the repeal. Since the last study opposition to the repeal among Republicans has increased from 75% to 82%.

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The FCC's attack on net neutrality may just be the least popular tech policy decision in the history of the agency, and its reverberations will be felt in polling booths and on the national stage for years to come.

The full study also takes a look at how effective particular pro and con arguments are in relation to net neutrality. It found that ISP arguments that net neutrality rules stifle innovation aren't particularly effective on either side of the partisan aisle, but did tend to be more effective with Republicans. The survey was conducted online from March 9-23, 2018 with a margin of error of +/- 3.1%.

"Since the December 14 FCC decision to repeal the requirements that Internet service providers abide by net neutrality, the FCC continued to promote their decision as a means for promoting Internet innovation and have parried criticism that it will drive up costs for consumers saying that the Federal Trade Commission will be in a position to protect against unfair practices," notes the University's Program for Public Consultation. "However...overwhelming bipartisan opposition persists even when presented the FCC arguments as well as opposing arguments."

Those interested can take a look at the full survey questionaire here (pdf).

Most recommended from 39 comments



maartena
Elmo
Premium Member
join:2002-05-10
Orange, CA

25 recommendations

maartena

Premium Member

GOP voters

I'm a techie, so naturally I know a lot of techies.... including Republican voters. And every single one of them, EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. is in favor of having Net Neutrality. The GOP voters I know are also the type that think. Some of them already stopped supporting Trump, but will remain Republican. A few have even said they will probably vote Democrat, but only ONCE to keep Trump from a second term, in hopes the GOP can come back with a candidate that still respects the office.

But at the end of the day, regardless of all of that: I do not know of a SINGLE republican voter who is AGAINST Net Neutrality. The fact that senators and such are in favor of its repeal is more a political move than anything: It was something Obama did, therefore we must be against it. It is something we can slap in the face of the evil Democrats, therefore we must repeal it. And at the same time, the telco companies are filling our campaign chests with funds, so we must vote in their favor to keep the money going. THAT is why Net Neutrality is being repealed.

You ask the voter that is uninformed, they will just go with their party of choice's propaganda.
You ask the voter that already knows, or has been explained what Net Neutrality actually is, and they ALL agree its a good thing.

Basically there are three types of GOP voters supporting the repeal of Net Neutrality.

Those who are uneducated and uninformed or so blinded by the Messiah of Trump they support ANYTHING he comes up with.
Those who work for a cable or telco company, own stock in them, or are otherwise financially vested in it.
Those who are, or closely affiliated with our state and federal representatives that are trying to get it repealed.

Anyone who knows what Net Neutrality is, what it does, and why it is important.... supports Net Neutrality, regardless of the party they vote for.

But as we already know politicians seldom actually listen to voters there isn't much we can do about it and hope that our representatives actually grow a brain.

mt999999
join:2016-06-16
East Liverpool, OH

1 edit

13 recommendations

mt999999

Member

Hmm...

People are opposed to Net Neutrality repeal? What's new? Lol
Roadkill
Premium Member
join:2008-06-17
united state

8 recommendations

Roadkill

Premium Member

Marginalized issues

I remember at least one anon account here proudly stated he would be voting on the bigger issues at hand. Pushing Net Neutrality to the side saying there are bigger fish to fry. We here at DSLR know Net Neutrality is and will be a National problem of huge importance if certain businesses using their political bribes succeed. We have to make this an issue that must be faced by the Senate and House of Representatives. Our president is only one of three major parts of our government. We need to make sure our law makers are reminded that voters/tax payers keep them on the money train.