Internet Neutrality

“The internet is the ultimate vehicle for free expression. The internet is simply too important to allow broadband providers to be the ones making the rules.” —  FCC Chair Tom Wheeler

The FCC voted to adopt stronger Network Neutrality rules on Thursday. Network Neutrality is the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) must treat all internet traffic equally, that ISPs shouldn’t be allowed to block or degrade access to certain websites or services or set aside a “fast lane” to allow ISP-favored content to load more quickly. Broadband providers will now be regulated as public utilities, and it is this “Title II reclassification” move that will give the agency broader authority to establish network neutrality rules.  Expect resistance from ISPs, in the form of PR campaigns and lawsuits.

More:

“F.C.C. Approves Net Neutrality Rules, Classifying Broadband Internet Service as a Utility,” By Rebecca R. Ruiz and Steve Lohr, New York Times

“Why Everyone Was Wrong About Net Neutrality,” Tim Wu, The New Yorker

“FCC votes for net neutrality, a ban on paid fast lanes, and Title II,” Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica

“FCC passes net neutrality: what this means for Americans,” Cristina Maza, Christian Science Monitor

“FCC Passes Strict Net Neutrality Regulations On 3-2 Vote,” Alex Wilhelm, Sarah Buhr, TechCrunch

Update:

“FCC Publishes Full Text Of Net Neutrality Rules,” NPR News

________________

Short link: http://wp.me/p6sb6-kY1

Image by Mike Licht. Download a copy here. Creative Commons license; credit Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com

Comments are welcome if they are on-topic, substantive, concise, and not boring or obscene. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.

Add to: Facebook | Digg | Del.icio.us | Stumbleupon | Reddit | Blinklist | Twitter | Technorati | Yahoo Buzz | Newsvine

Tags: FCC, Internet, ISPs, net neutrality, open internet, regulations, Title II