Firms praise move to scrap net neutrality

Internet service providers were yesterday applauding the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for unravelling sweeping net-neutrality rules that guarantee equal access to the web.

The FCC voted 3-2 to overturn Obama-era rules that had been designed to prevent providers such as Verizon, AT&T, Comcast and Charter from favouring some sites and apps over others.

AT&T senior executive vice-president Bob Quinn said in a blog post that “the internet will continue to work tomorrow just as it always has”.

Quinn said the company would not block websites and would not throttleor de grade online traffic based on content.

The providers have argued that the overhaul will allow them to invest more money in broadband infrastructure, though it is not clear how their claims will be measured. Protests have erupted online and in the streets as Americans worry that companies will be able to control what they see and do online.