FCC Passes Net Neutrality Rules with Minimal Impact on Wireless Networks

As expected, the FCC has voted in its set of rules via 3-2 down party lines regulating broadband networks in order to ensure net neutrality, with the House of Representatives set for a final vote next month once the new Republican majority is fully seated.

Under the rules, carriers and service providers would not be able to block users from accessing any legal web site or service and wouldn’t be allowed to block competing internet calling services that make use of wireless broadband data connections. Carriers and providers would also have to disclose network management practices but would have the power to manage their networks as best seen fit in order to deal with congestion and other issues that would impact access for customers.

While the rules mirror those lobbied for by Google and Verizon Wireless earlier this year, the service provider has confirmed dissatisfaction with the vote due to its apparent lack of statutory underpinnings and its view of being harmful to consumers in the long run. The FCC has yet to publish the rules in question.