The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) passed historic new rules that give the body its greatest power over the cable industry since the internet went mainstream.
Cable companies will not be allowed to offer “fast lanes” on the internet and access but be equal for all users.
“No one should control free and open access to the Internet,” FCC chairman Tom Wheeler said. “It’s the most powerful and pervasive platform on the planet. The Internet is too important to allow broadband providers to make the rules.”
“Today’s decision by the FCC to encumber broadband Internet services with badly antiquated regulations is a radical step that presages a time of uncertainty for consumers, innovators and investors,” it said in a ‘translated’ statement.
The meeting is adjourned. There’s a lot of let stretching. Wheeler will hold a press conference soon and then Pai and O’Rielly will set out their objections. The historic vote may be over but this is where the fun begins. Expect lawsuits and shouting. Lots and lots of shouting.
Internet activists scored a landmark victory on Thursday as the top US telecommunications regulator approved a plan to govern broadband internet like a public utility.
“We have won on net neutrality,” Wozniak told the Guardian. “This is important because they don’t want the FCC to have oversight over other bad stuff.”
Wheeler: “We cannot possibly imagine what is going to happen next on the internet. We want to encourage that sort of innovation... The internet must remain open, we will protect the internet.”
