So the FCC better let net neutrality be

FCC chairman Tom Wheeler has confirmed he will put forward strong rules enforcing net neutrality this month. These protections, if approved, will try to ensure all traffic across the internet is treated equally, with no one able to build so-called "fast lanes" for rich websites. It is feared these expensive web toll roads could be used to squeeze out startups that would otherwise become the next Netflix, for example. The ISPs argue websites should pay towards the networking kit carrying their packets. Following two days of vague leaks from the regulator's staff, the chairman was today unambiguous: "I am proposing that the FCC use its Title II authority to implement and enforce open internet protections." These would represent "the strongest open internet protections ever proposed by the FCC", he continued, and act as "enforceable, bright-line rules [that] will ban paid prioritization, and the blocking and throttling of lawful content and services." We already knew Wheeler was heading in this direction, and one thing is certain - he faces a huge fight, with big cable and Republicans on one side and internet freedom advocates and Democrats on the other. The public opinion fight has already been won, but the more private legal and political fight is about to start. Let's hope the rational side wins this one.