The Wall Street Journal reported Monday afternoon that Tom Wheeler, chair of the Federal Communications Commission, will be circulating his proposed net neutrality regulations this week. It is widely anticipated that he will recommend the Internet be treated as a utility, the same course of action encouraged by President Obama last fall, and protected by Title II of the Telecommunications Act.
Using Title II would prohibit service providers from slowing down access to particular websites unless the website’s owner is willing to pay for faster service, which could impair the ability of independent artists and musicians, in particular, from reaching new audiences without having to pay a fortune to do so.
In the past week, and in anticipation of Wheeler’s action, the lobbying group Broadband for America has released a new series of ads suggesting Title II regulation of the Internet will mean millions of dollars in new fees and taxes for American consumers.
Wheeler is expected to make an announcement on Thursday, Feb. 5.
Our previous coverage can be found here, here, here, here and here.
Mike Cleaver liked this on Facebook.