The new rules don't affect the exchange of traffic between long-haul networks that form the Internet's backbone. That means they won't have any bearing on Netflix's recent agreement to pay Comcast to improve the hand-off of traffic to its network. Netflix had called for the FCC to expand its definition of “net neutrality” rules to cover such connections and guarantee that they would be free of charge.
Internet access providers say they should be allowed to charge a content company when they have to deliver large amounts of data, such as video, to their broadband customers.
Netflix, which asked the FCC to expand “net neutrality” rules to cover the Internet backbone, came out against the FCC's proposal.
“The proposed approach is the fastest lane to punish consumers and Internet innovators,” the company said in a statement.
Verizon, a major high-speed broadband provider through its FiOS service, said it supports an open Internet and has committed to ensuring that customers can access whatever they want. “The FCC should be very cautious about adopting proscriptive rules that could be unnecessary and harmful,” Verizon spokesman Ed McFadden said in a statement.
Some people believe the FCC's proposed rules could benefit consumers in the long run.
“Allowing higher charges for faster speeds is consistent with a policy of attracting more investment to the most important network in America and improving broadband for all users,” said George Foote, a Dorsey & Whitney attorney who works on policy matters on behalf of utility companies.
The proposed rules would also restore a previous prohibition on Internet service providers from blocking access to websites. That is meant to help Internet startups succeed and foster the growth of the Internet economy. The commission is also seeking to establish the minimum standard of service and will ask the public to help determine that.
The FCC is not seeking to treat Internet providers as “common carriers” such as telephone companies, which would subject companies like Comcast and Verizon to even stricter rules, although it is keeping the option open.
