FCC's network neutrality, merger decisions could set the dial on future of TV

America's beloved television is getting an extreme Internet makeover, and questions over what shows viewers will get online and how much they pay for them could soon be resolved by the Federal Communications Commission.

Over the next few weeks, the FCC will decide on Internet access regulation and a proposed merger by Comcast and NBC Universal that could chart a new course for the future of TV. Those deliberations would create first-time rules affecting how television series and movies reach consumers with Internet connections and how much companies can charge for the service. It's the government's strongest effort yet to lay out some boundaries in the headlong rush for online video. The picture looks fuzzy for Internet users. As drafted, the policies under deliberation may slow the trend of consumers breaking free of their cable and satellite bundles to watch cheaper or free episodes of shows such as "Mad Men" and "Dancing with the Stars" via the Internet. The changes also may make it harder for new online start-ups to compete with television giants, some experts say.