New rules that treat the internet like a public utility and prohibit blocking, slowing and creating paid fast lanes for online traffic took effect on Friday.
Cable and telecom industry groups have sued to have the rules thrown out, arguing they are too onerous. But on Thursday, a federal appeals court declined to block the rules from taking effect as the industry litigation against them proceeds.
There will be no immediate effect on how consumers and companies use the internet. Broadband providers today typically treat content from different websites and services equally.
"We had the internet for some time obeying such principles but they've never been codified. Now they have been codified, Consumers should not see any substantial difference.''
Regulators, consumer advocates and internet companies like video site Vimeo and crafts marketplace Etsy had concerns about internet providers' power over web traffic. For example, there were worries that being able to pay for a special internet fast lane would let richer companies more easily reach users and stifle the growth of newer, poorer startups.
What is new: The FCC will be able to investigate complaints about "unreasonable" business practices by internet providers that aren't explicitly banned.
Read more at: Net neutrality rules go into effect in US - The Times of India
