News

Maine governor signs net neutrality bill

Maine governor signs net neutrality bill

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Maine’s governor has signed a bill aiming to protect internet customers.

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills’ office announced Tuesday that the law takes effect in September.

The amended bill says internet service providers that are contracted by the state have to agree to provide “net neutral service.”

The law defines “net neutral service” as providing internet service without blocking lawful content or favoring some websites to benefit others. Maine would also require such providers to agree they won’t inappropriately “throttle,” or slow down, internet traffic based on content.

The Federal Communications Commission passed a similar order in 2015 but repealed it in 2017. Mills says she hopes net neutrality will be restored in federal law.

Maine’s original bill would have prohibited internet providers from selling a customer’s personal information unless a customer “opts in.”

Latest Headlines

6 hours ago in Local

Brewer man arrested for hit and run crash in Bangor

48-year-old David Harris was arrested by police this morning on multiple charges, including operating without a license.

1 day ago in Local

Deadly House Fire in Hiram Claims a Life

Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene of a deadly house fire in Hiram. Crews…

2 days ago in Local

Gov. Mills vetoes moratorium on new data centers in Maine

Gov. Janet Mills has vetoed a first-in-the-nation moratorium on new data centers in Maine.

2 days ago in Local

Judge gives Maine 30 days to review signatures for transgender student referendum

A judge on Friday gave the Maine Secretary of State's Office 30 days to review signatures gathered for a referendum concerning transgender students.

3 days ago in Local

Two Arrested in Months-Long Maine Drug Enforcement Investigation

Both were taken to the Somerset County Jail.