FCC OKs Net Neutrality Rules in Win for Open Internet Activists

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday passed "net neutrality" rules, which allow the agency to prohibit Internet service providers from granting faster access to companies that pay for the privilege. The new rules treats broadband providers as "common carriers," like gas or electricity companies, instead of "information services," like Google or Facebook. The common carrier designation gives the FCC the authority to regulate Internet service providers (ISPs) to prohibit "fast lanes" that would grant faster access to companies that pay for the privilege. It's a win for open Internet activists, but for the average consumer, it's not clear exactly what will change.

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