09:41 AM EDT, 04/04/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Telecommunications industry groups are lashing out at the Federal Communications Commission's plan to hold a vote at its April 25 meeting to restore net neutrality rules, which it said would "bring back a national standard for broadband reliability, security, and consumer protection."

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement Wednesday that that the regulator "has been handcuffed from acting to fully secure broadband networks" since the FCC ditched net neutrality under the Trump administration. "A return to the FCC's overwhelmingly popular and court-approved standard of net neutrality will allow the agency to serve once again as a strong consumer advocate."

Broadband associations USTelecom and NCTA - The Internet & Television Association, are objecting to the vote, saying a restoration of net neutrality is unnecessary and harmful to consumers.

"It's been two years since the White House asked Congress and the country to be all in on Internet for All," USTelecom Chief Executive Jonathan Spalter said in a statement Wednesday. "But just as this goal is now within reach, the FCC is pumping the brakes with this entirely counterproductive, unnecessary, and anti-consumer regulatory distraction."

NCTA CEO Michael Powell called the regulation "heavy-handed," adding that "the FCC is barreling ahead with a backward-looking, unnecessary proposal."

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