The FCC's new rules for a free and open Internet

[Commentary] Since the Federal Communications Commission set out to preserve the free and open nature of the Internet more than a decade ago, there's never been a question about the importance of that goal. Instead, the often bitter debate has been over how to achieve it. The latest proposal from FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler -- to impose the strictest rules yet on Internet service providers, including mobile networks -- will almost certainly draw a challenges in the courts and from Republicans in Congress. But Wheeler and his allies make a persuasive case that the more permissive approach favored by Comcast, AT&T and other ISPs won't protect consumers and competition in the long run.

Before it votes on the new rules, the FCC needs to do as much as it can to whittle down Title II and clarify what ISPs would be barred from doing. Chairman Wheeler is properly focused on waiving the parts of Title II that would be most harmful to investment, including price controls, taxes and network-sharing mandates. Just as important, though, is making sure ISPs don't have the power to stifle investment by everyone else online. That's why the FCC should keep pushing for enforceable, effective net neutrality rules.