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FCC votes to go forward with net neutrality rules

Source: KC Star Via AP

NEW YORK — The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted to go forward with the proposal of new rules that could set standards for Internet providers who wish to create paid priority fast lanes on their networks.

The preliminary vote, in which three of agency's commissioners supported the measure and two dissented, moves the so-called "net neutrality" rules into a formal public comment period. After the 120-day period ends, the FCC will revise the proposal and vote on a final set of rules. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has said he wants the rules in place by the end of this year.

"Today we take another step in what has been a decade-long effort to protect a free and open Internet," Wheeler, a Democrat, said before the vote.

But the idea of allowing priority access, even if it's regulated by the government, has received heavy criticism from many companies that do business online, along with open Internet advocates. Outside the hearing protesters banged drums and held up signs calling for net neutrality. At least one was ushered out of the hearing after standing up and yelling at the commissioners.




Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2014/05/15/5025767/fcc-votes-to-go-forward-with-net.html