Many experts see the proposed Internet reforms as determination on the part of China to push for an alternative to the U.S.-led world order. (Photo : REUTERS)
Following FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's proposal for a new set of rules governing net neutrality, the debate for internet freedom is reaching a fevered pitch as the FCC itself prepares to vote on those proposed rules.
Back in April 2014, Chairman Tom Wheeler first pushed for a set of rules that would effectively give Internet Service Providers the ability to give premium internet speeds to some users and limit the access speeds of others. This set of rules were met with harsh criticism by both users and big tech companies like Google and Facebook.
Earlier this month, Wheeler again presented a revised set of rules which was seemingly a complete turnaround from his earlier proposal. We reported that the FCC Chairman's proposal contains provisions which will classify the internet as a public utility, effectively upholding net neutrality, or the principle of a free and open internet. The FCC is set to vote on these rules this coming Feb 26, Thursday.
According to a report by The Lion's Roar, Tom Wheeler's full intentions for net neutrality have not yet been disclosed to the public. However, Wheeler did describe the proposal as the "strongest open internet protections ever proposed by the FCC."
However, critics of the proposal have expressed discontent over its contents, saying that details of how the new rules would adversely affect consumers are being withheld. Other opponents of the proposal claim that it will effectively make the internet more expensive for regular consumers.
Several cable companies and internet service providers have already threatened to file lawsuits should Wheeler's latest proposal push through.
