The Federal Communications Commission voted to implement new net neutrality rules designed to make sure Internet service providers treat all legal content equally.
Chairmen Tom Wheeler of the FCC on the historical decision said “So today after a decade of debate in an open, robust year-long process, we finally have legally sustainable rules to ensure that the Internet stays fast, fair and open”.
The landmark decision now classifies the internet like any other public utility thwarting Big Businesses from offering two-tiered platforms of service, basic service and a higher-speed service for those who can afford it. Proponents of the decision likened the two-tiered plan to offering water to the general public and cleaner water to those who could afford it. This sort of pay to play system has been implemented on Interstate 95, a once national roadway, now has stretches of it only accessible by those who pay the sometimes exorbitant tolls.
Republicans, who have a history supporting Big Business, attempted to delay the vote.
The Net Neutrality Act is not without precedence. Supporters cited the Communications Act of 1934 which clearly states its purpose for “regulating interstate and foreign commerce in communication by wire and radio so as to make available, so far as possible, to all the people of the United States a rapid, efficient, nationwide, and worldwide wire and radio communication service with adequate facilities at reasonable charges”.
Communication companies may still levy lawsuits against the FCC in protest to the decision.
