FCC Said To Revise Internet Rules - Printer Friendly version without Comments

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler was forced to make revisions to the proposed Internet rules, following public backlash and concerns.

The proposed internet rules, which were briefed last month, suggested tougher standards for Internet providers who wish to create paid priority fast lanes on their networks.

But since then, the FCC has received thousands of public comments expressing outrage, forcing Wheeler to make changes, according to the an FCC official quoted by the Associated Press.

Among the additions is a provision that would "presume" it to be illegal for an Internet provider to prioritize the traffic of an affiliated service.

However, an Internet service provider would be allowed to challenge that "presumption," the official said.

In the revised proposal, Wheeler also seeks comment on the possibility of treating broadband providers as so-called "common carriers" like telephone companies, which are subject to greater regulation than Internet providers, under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934.

The proposal also asks whether all paid-priority fast lanes should be banned outright. The previous version only asks if some paid-priority services should be banned.

The FCC will hold a preliminary vote on the rules Thursday before submitting them for formal public input.