FCC Drops Investigation of Sponsored Data Plans in First Blow to Net Neutrality

The Federal Communications Commission announced Friday that it has dropped its investigation into “zero rating” data plans offered by wireless providers, dealing a first blow to the net-neutrality principles put in place by the Obama-era commission.

While zero rating plans allow consumers to stream mobile video without worrying about how much cellular data they’re using, net neutrality advocates are concerned they could be used as ways for certain companies to gain an unfair advantage by playing favorites with content.

“Today, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau is closing its investigation into wireless carriers’ free-data offerings,” newly installed FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a statement on Friday. “These free-data plans have proven to be popular among consumers, particularly low-income Americans, and have enhanced competition in the wireless marketplace.”

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The FCC had previously taken a look at zero rating plans offered by Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. AT&T uses zero rating to not charge its wireless customers for data they use while streaming DirecTV Now, the over-the-top service the company launched in November.

The FCC sent a letter to AT&T in December expressing competitive concern about zero rating, but with a new regime led by net-neutrality opponent Ajit Pai, CEO Randall Stephenson wasn’t worried about its longer-term prospects.

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Stephenson’s confidence was rewarded with Friday’s statement.

“Going forward, the Federal Communications Commission will not focus on denying Americans free data,” Pai said. “Instead, we will concentrate on expanding broadband deployment and encouraging innovative service offerings.”

8 Stars Who Say Trump Opponents Should Just Get Over It (Photos)

Donald Trump's presidency has largely been met with resistance from Hollywood stars, but a few have taken a different path. Objections to Trump's detractors range from apolitical calls for unity to outright criticism of those protesting in the streets.
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Karl Lagerfeld

Lagerfeld, a German fashion designer and artist, made it clear in an interview with WSJ Magazine in February that American politics is not his area of expertise, but he encouraged Trump critics to come around to the new president.

"I’m not American," he said, "but he’s a democratically elected president … so people have to deal with it.”
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Lindsay Lohan
In a Facebook Live interview with the Daily Mail in February, Lohan encouraged people to "join" Donald Trump.

“I think always in the public eye you’re gonna be scrutinized, and he is the president," she said. "We have to join him. If you can’t beat him, join him."

She added, "You know, I think it would be a positive thing for America to show their care and support, and for him to experience what it's like for these people... experience how giving Turkey has been to the refugees and how many they have welcomed in."
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Nicole Kidman

A few weeks before Donald Trump's inauguration, "Lion" star Nicole Kidman took some backlash for saying that Americans "need to support whoever the president is." The actress, who holds dual U.S. and Australian citizenship, later clarified that her comments were simply a call for unity and support of democracy.

Also Read: Nicole Kidman Clarifies Her Position on Trump: ‘I Believe in Democracy’
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Matthew McConaughey

During the press tour for his movie "Gold," Matthew McConaughey told the U.K.'s ChannelIFI that it's time for Americans to "embrace" Trump. "It's time to think about how constructive can you be because he's our president," McConaughey said.

Also Read: Matthew McConaughey Says ‘It’s Time to Embrace’ President Trump (Video)
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Bret Easton Ellis

"American Psycho" author Bret Easton Ellis accused Trump protesters of "overreaction" at the opening of his art exhibit in London, according to the Irish Examiner. "I don't really know what the path to power is with protest, it's done, this is where we are," the author said, accusing protesters, social media and celebrities of "aiding" divisiveness.
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Cyndi Lauper
Madonna took some criticism for her profanity-laden speech at the Women's March, where she said that she's "thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House" following Trump's inauguration. Among those denouncing her statements was Cyndi Lauper, who said "anger is not better than clarity and humanity."

Also Read: Cyndi Lauper Doesn’t Think Madonna’s Women’s March Speech ‘Served Our Purpose’ (Video)
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Jennifer Holliday
"Dreamgirls" star Jennifer Holliday dropped out of performing at Trump's inauguration after taking heated backlash from those pledging to boycott the event entirely. After apologizing to her fans, Holliday later explained that she thought her performance could've been an act of "healing and unity."

Also Read: Jennifer Holliday Pulls Out of Trump Inauguration, Apologizes to LGBT Community (Exclusive)
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Dave Chappelle
When comedian Dave Chappelle returned to host "Saturday Night Live" after the presidential election in November, he encouraged Trump detractors to "give him a chance," adding that "we, the historically disenfranchised, demand that he give us one too."

Also Read: Watch Dave Chappelle Say He’ll Give Trump A Chance In ‘SNL’ Monologue (Video)
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From Nicole Kidman’s call for ”support“ to Matthew McConaughey saying Americans need to ”embrace“ the new president

Donald Trump's presidency has largely been met with resistance from Hollywood stars, but a few have taken a different path. Objections to Trump's detractors range from apolitical calls for unity to outright criticism of those protesting in the streets.

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8 Stars Who Say Trump Opponents Should Just Get Over It (Photos)

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