TECH

What is net neutrality and what does it mean for me?

Mike Snider, Roger Yu, and Emily Brown
USA TODAY
Protesters at a Verizon store in Berkeley, Calif., support net neutrality.

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday passed new net neutrality regulations designed to protect the free flow of content on the Internet. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:

Q: What is net neutrality?

A: Net neutrality, or open Internet, is the principle that Internet service providers (ISPs) should give consumers access to all legal content and applications on an equal basis, without favoring some sources or blocking others. It prohibits ISPs from charging content providers for speedier delivery of their content on "fast lanes" and deliberately slowing the content from content providers that may compete with ISPs.

Q: How will new net neutrality rules affect me?

A: The regulations aim to ensure that all the Internet content you want to access — be it streaming video, audio or other material — will be treated equally by ISPs. Another goal: to give start-ups and entrepreneurs access to broadband networks without undue influence from the ISPs.

Q: So what's going to happen when I'm streaming House of Cards in the future?

A: In theory, the only thing that should change is that there are actual regulations on the books that prohibit ISPs' discriminating against content. An ISP will be prohibited from slowing the delivery of a TV show simply because it's streamed by a video company that competes with a subsidiary of the ISP. That doesn't mean everyone gets the same level of Internet service — remember, customers already pay for different speeds.

Q: What's the difference between an ISP and a content provider?

A: An ISP is a company that provides you with access to the Internet, like AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Cox and Time Warner Cable. Content providers include companies like Netflix and Amazon that create and/or distribute videos and programs. Sometimes an ISP is also a content provider. For instance, Comcast owns NBCUniversal and delivers TV shows and movies through its Xfinity Internet service.

Q: What are the net neutrality rules passed by the FCC?

A: At this point, only the FCC commissioners and staff have seen the entire 317-page order. The bottom line, according to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, is that the open Internet rules ban blocking and throttling of content and prohibit ISPs' from charging content providers to set up fast lanes, a practice known as paid prioritization. The agency also can take action when a practice unreasonably interferes with consumers. The plan does not include rate regulations, unbundling or new tariffs or taxes, Wheeler says. The FCC's document on the open Internet rules can be seen here.

Q: Why did the FCC come up with Internet regulations now?

A: Because the previous set was tossed out by a federal court in January 2014. Since then, the agency has had no official authority to protect an open Internet.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler speaks during a news conference in Washington, D.C., in October.

Q: The Internet will be treated like a public utility. Why?

A: So the FCC has the authority to regulate it. Internet providers will be reclassified as "common carriers," private companies that sell their services to all consumers without discrimination, similar to the way consumers got landline telephone service.

Q: Who supports net neutrality?

A: Content providers, Apple and Google among them, support net neutrality — and the rules that were passed Thursday. They say consumers are already paying for connectivity, and they deserve to get a quality experience. Many consumers support the idea of rules to protect the openness of the Internet. More than 4 million people filed public comments with the FCC about net neutrality, more than any on any issue it has handled. Some of those filing were trade associations and companies, but the majority were average people, supporting net neutrality.

Net neutrality supporters rally outside FCC headquarters in Washington, D.C., in December.

Q: So who's against net neutrality?

A: More than two-dozen broadband companies, including AT&T, Comcast, Cox and Verizon, voiced concerns that the new rules are too heavy-handed and could stifle investment and innovation.

Q: How did the vote go down?

A: The commission voted 3 to 2 to approve Wheeler's net neutrality proposal. Democratic commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel voted yes, along with Wheeler, who was appointed by President Obama. Commissioners Ajit Pai and Michael O'Rielly, both Republicans, voted no.

Q: What happens next?

A: Hard to say. The regulations will be published soon in the Federal Register and become effective 60 days after publication. But opponents have indicated they plan to challenge the new rules in court. And some Republicans in Congress are pushing open-Internet legislation that would supersede the FCC rules.