FCC Net Neutrality Plan Sparks Response Before Release

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler's proposal to regulate how broadband providers treat content on their networks hasn't been formally released, but already the commission has received hundreds of calls and thousands of comments -- along with a number of stern letters from leaders in Congress. Despite the backlash, Chairman Wheeler is forging ahead with his proposal, which the commission is scheduled to take up on May 15.

It would prohibit broadband providers from blocking or slowing down websites but allow them to strike deals with content companies for preferential treatment. Mr. Wheeler says his plan is the fastest way to keep the Internet open, after a federal appeals court rejected two previous sets of rules. But even if the commission votes to move forward with the plan, people hoping for a quick or clean resolution to the issue are likely to be disappointed. For starters, advocates of net neutrality -- the concept that all Internet traffic should be treated equally -- aren't likely to give up easily. They want him to ban paid deals altogether and are urging the commission to reclassify broadband as a public utility, saying it is the only way to achieve that goal. Additionally, the proposal -- which Chairman Wheeler still was tweaking as late as May 13 -- doesn't clearly state what sorts of arrangements would be allowed. Any final rules will likely leave considerable discretion to the agency.