Net neutrality is the concept that Internet service providers and governments should treat all data and Internet traffic the same regardless of user, content and method of communication.
Net neutrality proponents claim that Internet providers in particular are trying to impose a tiered system that slows the pipeline down which creates artificial competition by offering faster service for more money, which would restrict access to only those who can pay. Internet providers, meanwhile, argue that high-bandwidth services such as video streaming should pay more because they use up more data. Restrictions on more data, they say, will hinder efforts to make broadband more accessible.
The proposed regulations to be submitted before an expected February 26 meeting of the commission include the possibility of a so-called “hybrid plan” that would include “fast lanes” which would cost more to access, but the proposed rules would also expand the FCC’s regulatory authority over broadband services.
The agency itself has been criticized by net neutrality proponents who say that as a former lobbyist for the telecommunications and cable industry, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s interests are not consumer-oriented, while Internet service providers say their industry is already regulated enough.
