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As Seen LIVE on LBREPORT.com. FCC Votes 3-2 (Party Lines) To Apply Net Neutrality (Utility Type) Rules To Internet


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(Feb. 26, 2015) -- As seen LIVE on LBREPORT.com, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today (Feb. 26) voted 3-2 along party lines (Dems pro, Repubs con) to approve controversial rules applying "net neutrality" as a basis for regulating aspects of the internet.

CNET.com has coverage at this link.

Specifically, the FCC voted to reclassify broadband web access as a "telecommunications service under Title II" that the agency can regulate. There will likely be a court challenge(s) to this. In 2010, the FCC enacted net neutrality rules that Verizon challenged...and a federal appeals court ruled that the FCC didn't have such regulatory power BUT the court said the FCC could reclassify broadband and thereby gain regulatory powers. Congress could have prevented the FCC's action but Congressional Repubs have been reluctant to pass any bill without Dem support.

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An FCC fact sheet says the new rules will mean: "No Blocking: broadband providers may not block access to legal content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices; No Throttling: broadband providers may not impair or degrade lawful Internet traffic on the basis of content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices; No Paid Prioritization: broadband providers may not favor some lawful Internet traffic over other lawful traffic in exchange for consideration -- in other words, no 'fast lanes.' This rule also bans ISPs from prioritizing content and services of their affiliates."

Critics of the rules include ISPs (who understandably don't want government regulation of their operations) and others who say the rules will be "ObamaCare" for the internet (producing slower web speeds for all).

Advocates of a free and unfettered internet also voice concerns that net neutrality rules provide a way for government bodies to neuter the internet. The latter .and the FCC and other agencies might not stop equal internet speed but might attempt to regulate internet content...as the FCC regulates broadcast matters.

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