F.C.C. Plans Net Neutrality Repeal in Victory for Telecoms
would simply require internet service providers to be transparent about their practices so
that consumers can buy the service plan that’s best for them and entrepreneurs and other small businesses can have the technical information they need to innovate.”
The proposal from Mr. Pai, a Republican, is widely expected to be approved during a
Dec. 14 meeting in a 3-to-2 party line vote from the agency’s five commissioners.
Big online companies like Amazon say that the telecom companies would be able to show favoritism to certain web services, by charging for accessing some sites
but not others, or by slowing the connection speed to some sites.
is set to repeal rules that require internet providers to give consumers equal access to all content online.
A repeal of the rules would allow the companies to exert more control over the online experiences of American consumers.
And consumers, the online companies say, may see their costs go up to get quality access to popular websites like Netflix.
The rules prohibited high-speed internet service providers from blocking or slowing down the delivery of websites,
or charging extra fees for the best quality of streaming and other internet services for their subscribers.
The action immediately reignited a loud and furious fight over free speech
and the control of the internet, pitting telecom giants like AT&T against internet giants like Google and Amazon, who warn against powerful telecom gatekeepers.
Small online companies say the proposal would hurt innovation.
