The Federal Communications Commission has voted 3-2 in favor of advancing Chairman Tom Wheeler’s proposed net neutrality rules.
The rules will allow for the creation of an internet fast lane by permitting broadband providers to charge content creators for prioritized traffic. The vote, which fell along party lines, seemingly ignored the initial feedback of the U.S. public and hundreds of corporations. FCC chief Wheeler insists the agency will only allow “commercially reasonable” paid prioritization agreements, and has a “multifaceted dispute resolution process” in place to resolve disputes. It further insists consumers will get the broadband service for which they paid, and won’t be harmed by any such agreements.
With the advancement of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the rules will be published and the public will have time to comment on them over the next few months. It is possible the FCC will take into consideration comments submitted by the public and alter the proposed rules before making them official policy.
