Putting net neutrality in context
After much litigation, public demonstration and deliberation, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3 to 2 to adopt open internet rules. While the substantive details of the decision are not yet known, the rules, as expected, reclassified "retail" internet service to subscribers as common carriage – meaning providing non-discriminatory service to customers. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may not block, impair or favor particular traffic, users or content. The Commission also extended its jurisdiction to cover the exchange of data traffic via network interconnection between edge providers like Netflix and ISPs like Comcast, employing a general conduct rule reinforced by use of a case by case process. Proponents of net neutrality are lauding the FCC's move.