FCC Will Unveil 'Net Neutrality' Rules

FCC Will Unveil 'Net Neutrality' Rules

Published: September 18, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
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By Amy Kaufman

The head of the Federal Communications Commission on Monday will present new proposals that will stop Internet providers from slowing some Web sites even as other traffic goes through at full speed.

 

In a speech Monday, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski will detail new plans for Internet providers to treat all Web traffic equally -- a system often referred to as Net Neutrality.

 

The new rules would also apply to the wireless divisions of phone and cable companies like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast.

 

If implemented, the proposals could help Internet users who often engage in bandwidth-intensive online activites, like downloading movies online or sharing files with friends.

 

The speech comes amidst continuting worries that internet providers will limit some downloads either as a way to to manage overburdened network traffic or to give favored sites better service.

 

Internet companies like Google support the new rules because they benefit their video-sharing services.

 

Meanwhile, broadband service providers oppose them, preferring the government not impose regulations on how to run their business.

 

Tags: FCC, Federal Communications Commission, internet rules, Julius Genachowski, Television
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