Dems question FCC on data-free apps

Several top Democrats called Friday for the Federal Communications Commission to better regulate internet service providers that allow customers to use certain applications without incurring data usage.

Seven Democratic senators targeted the so-called “zero-rating” in a letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, warning of stifled innovation and other issues if the FCC doesn’t act.

“Without proper oversight and enforcement action, zero-rating can discriminate against certain services, potentially distorting competition, stifling innovation, and hampering user choice and free speech,” they wrote.

“When ISPs, not the consumer, choose online winners and losers, the very core tenants of net neutrality could be disrupted,” the letter added.

The letter was signed by Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), Edward Markey (Mass.), Al Franken (Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (Wis.) and Richard Blumenthal (Conn.) as well as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

Tech groups have previously called for probes into zero-rating. Wheeler has said he is giving a “thoughtful” look at the services.

Zero-rating opponents have criticized the practice on the grounds that they give preferential treatment to some apps while potentially boxing out smaller startups from gaining market share.

“Paid zero-rating gives established, well-funded applications and services an unfair competitive advantage over start-ups, small business, and anyone else seeking to share their creations with the world,” the lawmakers wrote.