The US Federal Communications Commission has approved new net neutrality rules. The commission voted along party lines, with the three Democrats supporting the rules and two Republicans opposed. The net neutrality rules prohibit broadband providers from blocking any legal content, applications or services on their networks, while allowing "reasonable" network management and permitting operators to manage congestion by charging heavy data users more. Mobile internet providers will face fewer restrictions. They may not block voice or video applications competing with their own services, such as Skype or YouTube, but will be able to limit access to other high-bandwidth services and applications. Both fixed and mobile operators will be required to provide greater transpearency on their network speeds and traffic management techniques. End-users will be able to file complaints with the FCC, and the regulator can also start its own investigations into any suspected violations of the rules.
The Republican commissioners and key Republican Congressmen questioned the FCC's legal authority to regulate the internet, suggesting the new rules will face court or legislative action. Verizon said in a statement that this "assertion of authority [by the FCC] without solid statutory underpinnings will yield continued uncertainty for industry". The operator said it was "deeply concerned" by the FCC decision, which "departs from successful policies" of the past. AT&T and Comcast appreciated the compromise in the FCC decision, saying it should support open internet as well as industry investment. The Telecommunications Industry Association said it appreciated the FCC's "restraint", after it dropped an earlier proposal to extend some Title II regulations to ISPs. The mobile industry group CTIA said it still sees the rules as unnecessary, but appreciated the different treatment for wireless providers.
