Ever see the movie Groundhog Day? Sometimes Washington feels a little like that. Case in point: the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today announced its intent to move forward with a net neutrality rulemaking proceeding via a statement from Chairman Tom Wheeler. We’ve seen this movie before, but now we’re gearing up for the sequel.

Déjà vu aside, this is a significant development. On January 14, 2014, a federal appeals court threw out the FCC’s Open Internet Order meant to preserve a level online playing field for creators and other entrepreneurs. Since then, we’ve been waiting to see what Chairman Wheeler’s next move might be. Today, we have our answer.

In a nutshell, Wheeler’s plan involves a public comments proceeding, followed by an expected rulemaking under a different legal rationale than the one the court rejected. Wheeler seems confident that the Commission can issue new rules based on its existing Congressional mandate to “encourage broadband deployment by, among other things, removing barriers to infrastructure deployment, encouraging innovation, and promoting competition.” Others, FMC included, are concerned that this approach may not be the clearest way to protect an open, accessible internet.

That said, we are glad that the FCC is moving forward. And we’re always ready to weigh in along with our friends in the independent music community (including the thousands of artists and indie labels already on record supporting basic rules of the road for Internet Service Providers).

As FMC Interim Executive Director Casey Rae noted in a press statement:

“…Musicians and other artists depend on an accessible, competitive Internet where they can reach audiences and participate in potentially rewarding innovations. We are hopeful that the FCC can shore up its existing authority and issue new rules, but we are also well aware of the potential for further uncertainty down the road if this approach fails to offer basic protections for content creators.

“…Any meaningful rules preserving an open Internet must satisfy the needs of today and tomorrow’s creators, regardless of where and how they connect. Musicians across the country look forward to working with the FCC to make sure our perspectives are heard.”

So get ready to tell the FCC that a competitive and accessible internet is important to YOU. Keep your eyes right here and we’ll show you how.