Analyst says return of net neutrality rules unlikely to spark big changes at ISPs

Ahead of the confirmation from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that the agency plans to vote to restore network neutrality on April 25, a top policy analyst weighed in to say that he doesn't expect a return of the rules to alter the way that broadband service providers operate. Like its 2015 predecessor, this version of the rules will again attempt to reclassify broadband as a more heavily-regulated "Title II" communications service classification. The new rules also include a ban on blocking, throttling and unreasonable paid prioritization. "Like its predecessors, this policy debate will generate significant headlines and commentary, [but] is unlikely to generate significant changes in how the ISPs operate, nor material changes in their revenues, margins, or opportunities," New Street Research policy analyst Blair Levin explained in a research note. Still, Levin's view that the new rules will not amount to major changes at broadband service providers did not stop cable industry organizations from railing against the coming vote and calling on the FCC to turn back.