Netflix Deals With Broadband Providers Said to Get FCC Oversight

Apparently, US regulators plan to issue rules in February allowing them to review the terms Internet service providers demand for accepting heavy Web traffic from companies such as Netflix.

Such agreements aren’t regulated now, and the move -- part of highly anticipated network neutrality rules -- would mark an expansion of the Federal Communications Commission’s authority over the Internet. Cable providers led by Comcast have argued against restrictions on what they can charge content providers while companies such as Netflix sought to ban any fees.

Apparently, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has decided the rules will permit the agreements but include a procedure for companies to ask for agency review. With an oversight procedure, the FCC could order an Internet service provider to stop demanding unfair fees, or to improve its connection, said Harold Feld, Senior Vice President of Public Knowledge. Contracts would be considered against a standard of whether they are “just and reasonable,” Feld said.