FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler goes ahead with net neutrality vote

WASHINGTON, May 15 (UPI) -- The FCC on Thursday voted 3-2 to propose Chairman Tom Wheeler's net neutrality rules, which could allow broadband providers to charge for faster services.

Despite protests outside the Federal Communications Commission, commissioners voted along party lines to formally introduce rules that would allow broadband users to charge content providers for faster streaming.

Public interest groups, online activists and many liberals have come out against Wheeler's rules saying they would allow broadband providers to slow down traffic for companies they do not have an agreement with.

"Personally, I don't like the idea that the Internet can be divided into haves and have-nots and I will work to see that doesn't happen," Wheeler said. "I will not allow the asset of an open Internet to be compromised."

Wheeler has said that he will work to ensure a free and fair Internet, which could include creating an ombudsman to act as a watchdog for consumer and entrepreneur rights.

The proposed rules have faced criticism from large tech companies as well, including Facebook and Google, who are opposed to the creation of fast lanes and slow lanes on the Internet.

Republican commissioners Ajit Pai and Michael O'Rielly have been vociferous opponents of net neutrality saying the market should deal with these issues themselves. They are also completely against one of Wheeler's proposals to get public comment on whether the the Internet should be classified as a public utility, which would help the FCC better regulate it.

Despite voting for the proposed rules, Democratic Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said the process that led to these new rules was "flawed" but noted Wheeler had made "significant adjustments" to his proposal which allowed her to support it.

GOP Commissioner Michael O'Rielly said that there was no need for net neutrality rules at all.

"I have serious concerns that this ill-advised item will create damaging uncertainty and head the Commission down a slippery slope of regulation," said O'Rielly.

The process now involves getting public opinion on the proposed rules and passing the new rules by the end of the year.