Jorge says: “A controversial proposal for Internet traffic rules that would allow providers to ration access to their networks is scheduled to come before communications regulators for a vote on Tuesday.”
Internet providers say they should be free to manage their networks for the benefit of all users, but content providers fear disruption of access and anti-competitive behavior. The rules could help cable companies battling competitors who deliver competing video content over the same Internet lines the cable companies hook up to customers’ homes.
Level 3 Communications, a company that helps Netflix Inc stream videos online, has accused Comcast of charging it unfair fees to deliver content to Comcast subscribers. The FCC’s ability to regulate the Internet has been in doubt since an appeals court in April said the agency lacked the authority to stop Comcast from blocking bandwidth-hogging applications.
Reuters: Internet Road Rules Near FCC Vote
See also: Al Franken — “This Tuesday is an important day in the fight to save the Internet.”