The Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 Thursday to approve net neutrality rules that allow for the federal regulation of broadband Internet providers. Chairman Tom Wheeler called the vote an affirmation of "free, open access to the Internet." Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., called the decision a "massive government takeover that threatens innovation, economic freedom and jobs."
Do the rules ensure the protection of the open Internet or stifle it with pointless regulations, and what's next?
Q: What is net neutrality?
A: Net neutrality simply means treating all Web traffic the same. Also known as open Internet, the concept is that all content should be equally easy to access, without service providers blocking some websites and services or giving favorable treatment to others.
Q: What did the FCC do?
A: Thursday's vote clears the way for the commission to do two main things. First, it will reclassify the Internet as a telecommunications service. This means the Internet can be regulated the same way that public utilities such as telephone lines are. Second, the agency can then use that regulatory power to enforce strong net neutrality.
Q: What do these net neutrality rules mean?
A: Internet service providers such as AT&T, Comcast and Verizon can't intentionally slow down your videos, games or websites. They can't block legal content or throttle the traffic of competing apps and services. For the first time, the rules will apply to both broadband and wireless Internet, which includes the mobile data to your smartphone or tablet.
