FCC will face backlash on net-neutrality rules, regardless of how they are written

When the Federal Communications Commission finally releases its rules on net-neutrality—which are expected by the end of year—the rules will be met with criticism, regardless of how they are written, Julian Hattem reports for The Hill. The FCC said it has received more than 3.7 million comments on its proposed rules, and many fear that FCC chairman Tom Wheeler "would not go far enough to ban 'fast lanes,' which could create a 'two-tiered' Internet, one with faster service for companies with deep pockets that could pay the Web companies’ 'tolls' and another with slower service for those who couldn’t." (Telco illustration)

"Democrats have pushed for the FCC to ban 'fast lanes' on the Internet, which critics have said could emerge under Wheeler’s plan if Internet service companies charge Netflix, YouTube or other websites for speedier service," Hattem writes. "Some of the Democratic Party’s more liberal members, along with the moderate Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), have pushed the FCC to reclassify broadband Internet service as a 'telecommunications service' instead of as an 'information service. That move would give the FCC more power over companies by drawing from the same legal authority that the agency uses to regulate traditional wired phone lines."

"Republicans, meanwhile, have struck back, warning that tough rules would allow the heavy hand of the FCC to stifle the Internet," Hattem writes. "Some Republicans have pushed back on the suggestion that the FCC should dust off old regulations to assert authority over Internet providers."

There is also concern whether or not the rules apply to people accessing the Internet wirelessly on smartphones and tablets, Hattem writes. "The commission’s original 2010 rules, which were struck down by a court earlier this year, did not apply to wireless service. But Wheeler has dropped several hints about taking that step this time, to high marks from supporters of strong rules." (Read more)