The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) might allow Internet-service providers to purchase subscriber access from other communication companies.
The agency's chairman discussed a proposal was discussed to the commission members. Since assuming his position, Wheeler has consistently campaigned for equal treatment of all communication services and Internet providers, both big and small.
In January, the FCC lost a case with the U.S court as they seek to uphold "net neutrality." The bid allowed businesses and Internet service providers to treat their web traffic and speed as one and the same to prevent them from charging more money for faster access.
Wheeler is scheduled to present his proposal for approval to the five-member agency. However, he said that his recent move is not a "turnaround" on the policies and advocacies of the commission.
"The same rules will apply to all Internet content," Wheeler said, as quoted by Businessweek. "As with the original open Internet rules, and consistent with the court's decision, behavior that harms consumers or competition will not be permitted."
However, the FCC rulings are still criticized by people on the other side of the business. Vice president of the policy group Public Knowledge Michael Weinberg stated that FCC's latest move is not going for "net neutrality."
"The FCC is inviting service providers to pick winners and losers," he wrote in an email to Businessweek,
Similarly, communications company AT&T filed a motion on March 21 asking if the FCC could give flexibility to Internet service providers with regards to selling other kinds of content. like videos and movies over. Verizon stated in the same filing that the FCC should not impose rules on Internet businesses and should only step in if they observe practices that are harmful to their consumers and the business as a whole.
