Making the Internet a public utility
US communications regulators were expected to vote Thursday for rules that would categorize the internet as a public utility, preventing internet providers from charging some websites for faster service or slowing or blocking others.
The five members of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are to vote on the proposal at a public meeting in Washington.
It is widely expected to pass on party lines, with two Democratic commissioners joining Democratic FCC chairman Tom Wheeler to approve agaisnt opposition from two Republican commissioners, according to the New York Times.
The proposed rules uphold the principle of net neutrality: that all users should have equal access to the web. It has been challenged by broadband providers who want to charge for premium access by data-heavy users like online film-streaming sites.
Net neutrality advocates, including US president Barack Obama, say allowing a so-called “fast lane” could lead to discrimination in access and competitive disadvantage for smaller websites.
Service providers argue they need to charge extra fees for better service to offset their investments in broadband infrastructure.
Industry and legislative opponents of the proposed rules argue allowing the FCC to regulate the internet under federal communications laws could lead to price controls and stifled competition.
Wheeler has said the FCC would exempt internet service from rate regulation and other controls, as it has the mobile phone industry.
A federal court last year struck down old rules stopping internet providers from playing favorites with content providers, forcing the FCC to draw up new regulations.
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