Baffled by 'Net Neutrality'? Read This, a WSJ Primer

On May 15, the Federal Communications Commission is expected to vote on new draft rules to regulate how broadband providers deliver content over the Internet. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has floated drafts of his plan, the first of which was circulated in April, and now is revising his proposal in light of vocal concern from advocates of "net neutrality." Net neutrality is the principle that all traffic on the Internet should be treated equally -- broadband providers shouldn't be able to pick and choose which websites consumers can access. Wheeler's plan, which he calls "open Internet" rules, would ban broadband providers from blocking or slowing down access to websites or services. However, his plan would allow the providers to strike deals with content companies for preferential treatment, like if Amazon paid AT&T so their streaming video service reached consumers without interruption.