FCC Approves Net Neutrality Rules for Wireless and Broadband Internet Providers

CNET reports the FCC has approved new rules regarding net neutrality.  This is a much debated issue that affects wireless and fixed broadband internet users.  It is a question of whether an internet provider such as Comcast and Time Warner Cable can block or significantly slow traffic of certain internet sites.

For example, if Time Warner is tired of Netflix taking away too much of its On Demand business - just put the breaks on Netflix streaming to its internet subscribers - make all internet traffic from that site painfully slow or blocked altogether.  Why not block Google or Yahoo too if it suits them?  Republicans have generally opposed Net Neutrality rules (keeping internet service providers from blocking or limiting traffic from certain websites).

CNET reports:

The new Net neutrality rules adopted Tuesday essentially create two classes of service subject to different rules: one that applies to fixed broadband networks and one for wireless networks. The FCC says this is necessary because wireless networks are technologically different from fixed broadband networks. 

The first rule requires both wireless and wireline providers to be transparent in how they manage and operate their networks. 

The second Net neutrality rule prohibits the blocking of traffic on the Internet. The rule applies to both fixed wireline broadband network operators as well as to wireless providers. But the stipulations for each type of network are slightly different.

For fixed broadband networks, operators cannot block any lawful content, services, applications, or devices on their network. Wireless providers area also prohibited from blocking Web sites, but the rule is slightly more lenient when it comes to blocking applications and services. The rule only prohibits these companies from blocking access to applications that specifically compete with a carrier's telephony voice or video services. In each case, the blocking rule also allows fixed and wireless broadband providers to reasonably manage their networks. 

And finally, the last rule applies only to fixed broadband providers. It prohibits fixed wireline broadband providers from unreasonably discriminating against traffic on their network.

It remains unclear whether federal courts recognize the authority of the FCC to enforce Net Neutrality rules. 

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