WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission announced Wednesday that it will propose new open-Internet rules to prevent providers of high-speed service from blocking or slowing down traffic on their networks in pursuit of higher profits.
That effort was hobbled last month after a federal appeals court struck down an earlier set of rules regarding what is known as “net neutrality.” The court said the FCC had overstepped its authority to regulate broadband firms such as Verizon and Time Warner Cable, the communications giants that provide Internet connections to millions of homes and businesses.
But the court’s opinion suggested a path for regulation, said FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. So instead of appealing the decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Wheeler said, the agency will rewrite the rules in a manner that he thinks can withstand a legal challenge.
Wheeler said the new rules would prevent broadband providers such as Verizon Communications, which operates the Fios video and Internet network, from blocking competing sites such as Netflix or slowing down the site’s video-streaming service. Wireless Internet providers such as AT&T and T-Mobile would also be affected but would not be held to all of the same standards as land-line firms.
Wheeler said the new rules would “meet the court’s test for preventing improper blocking of and discrimination among Internet traffic, ensuring genuine transparency in how Internet Service Providers manage traffic, and enhancing competition.”
Send questions/comments to the editors.
-
Nation & World
What to do about Giuliani? That’s a question facing new leadership at Justice Department
-
The Forecaster
Arts Calendar: March 10-20
-
Outdoors
Hiking in Maine: Sunkhaze wildlife refuge rises up to provide a peaceful, year-round adventure
-
Times Record
United Way offering free tax preparation services
-
Varsity Maine
Mr. and Miss Maine Basketball finalists announced
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi {SUB NAME}, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have one? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login to participate in the conversation. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.