The FCC extends net neutrality public comment period until July 18

After an “overwhelming surge” of last-minute public comments on net neutrality came into the FCC, the agency has extended its period for accepting comments until midnight Eastern on Friday, July 18. The deadline originally ended later today.

Update: An earlier version of this article misstated the deadline as June 18. We apologize for the mistake.

If the FCC website isn’t working for you, there’s also the option of emailing comments to [email protected] before Friday. Late last week, FCC Commissioner Tom Wheeler revealed that the agency had received over 647,000 comments about net neutrality.

The FCC first unveiled its proposed rule changes in May, allowing for 60 days of comments. In June, comedian John Oliver helped overload the comment system by encouraging Internet trolls to do some good by protecting the open Internet.

At issue is whether the FCC will reclassify broadband providers as Title II common carriers, as they should have been from the start. Consumers have also expressed concerns that certain provisions would allow for a “fast lane” to companies willing to pay to prioritize their traffic.

Here’s the complete statement from FCC Press Secretary Kim Hart:

The deadline for filing submissions as part of the first round of public comments in the FCC’s Open Internet proceeding arrived today. Not surprisingly, we have seen an overwhelming surge in traffic on our website that is making it difficult for many people to file comments through our Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). Please be assured that the Commission is aware of these issues and is committed to making sure that everyone trying to submit comments will have their views entered into the record. Accordingly, we are extending the comment deadline until midnight Friday, July 18. You also have the option of emailing your comments to [email protected], and your views will be placed in the public record.

➤ FCC Comments

See also: The 6 things you need to know about the FCC’s proposal on net neutrality