Net neutrality lobby victorious after FCC ruling

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted rules on internet governance to support net neutrality and the open internet, and protect freedom of expression and innovation.

The term net neutrality refers to the idea that all packets of data moving around the internet should be treated exactly the same.

Some internet service providers (ISPs) want to have the power to charge internet companies and users based on how much usage they make of the underlying network infrastructure.

Net neutrality advocates fear that, if this were allowed, it would lead to the creation of a two-tier internet where data traffic flows are controlled and regulated based on ones ability to pay.

They believe this will stifle innovation, start-up culture and, most importantly, freedom of speech and expression.

The close three to two FCC vote came weeks after commission head Tom Wheeler U-turned and set out new proposals. Wheeler spoke in favour of net neutrality, saying: The internet must be fast, fair and open.

It comes after a surge in public interest in net neutrality in the US four million people participated in the consultation and a wave of protest by high-profile internet-based firms, including Twitter and Netflix.

The FCC said it had long been committed to protecting and promoting net neutrality, but previous attempts to implement regulation had been struck down by the courts.

At the core of the FCCs ruling the Open Internet Order is one simple change; the reclassification of broadband internet access as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act.

This means the internet will now be afforded the same protections that have historically ensured telephone networks remain open in the US.

Continue reading here:

Net neutrality lobby victorious after FCC ruling