This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42065649

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Regulator repeals US net neutrality rules Regulator repeals US net neutrality rules
(2 days later)
US regulators have rolled back the net neutrality rules enshrined in law under President Barack Obama. US regulators plan to roll back the net neutrality rules enshrined in law under President Barack Obama.
The change is seen as a major victory for the telecoms industry but a blow to those who favour an internet that offers equal access to all. The change would be a major victory for the telecoms industry but a blow to those who favour an internet that offers equal access to all.
It could pave the way for net providers to offer "fast lanes" - where only wealthy companies can afford the best connections to consumers.It could pave the way for net providers to offer "fast lanes" - where only wealthy companies can afford the best connections to consumers.
Some 21 million comments were submitted in a public debate about the proposals.Some 21 million comments were submitted in a public debate about the proposals.
In a statement, chairman Ajit Pai said the Federal Communications Commission's proposals would stop federal government "micro-managing the internet".In a statement, chairman Ajit Pai said the Federal Communications Commission's proposals would stop federal government "micro-managing the internet".
"For almost 20 years, the internet thrived under the light-touch regulatory approach established by President Clinton and a Republican congress," he said."For almost 20 years, the internet thrived under the light-touch regulatory approach established by President Clinton and a Republican congress," he said.
"This bipartisan framework led the private sector to invest $1.5tn [£1.1tn] building communications networks throughout the United States. And it gave us an internet economy that became the envy of the world.""This bipartisan framework led the private sector to invest $1.5tn [£1.1tn] building communications networks throughout the United States. And it gave us an internet economy that became the envy of the world."
The Obama-era changes, which followed a massive public campaign in favour of net neutrality, reclassified telecoms companies as "common carriers" - or neutral gateways to content, which could neither speed up or slow down content on its networks.The Obama-era changes, which followed a massive public campaign in favour of net neutrality, reclassified telecoms companies as "common carriers" - or neutral gateways to content, which could neither speed up or slow down content on its networks.
They also gave the FCC much more oversight and regulatory control over how they operated.They also gave the FCC much more oversight and regulatory control over how they operated.
But Mr Pai described these changes, which took effect in 2015, as "heavy-handed, utility-style regulations".But Mr Pai described these changes, which took effect in 2015, as "heavy-handed, utility-style regulations".
"That decision was a mistake," he said."That decision was a mistake," he said.
"It has depressed investment in building and expanding broadband networks and deterred innovation.""It has depressed investment in building and expanding broadband networks and deterred innovation."
Streaming priorityStreaming priority
Telecoms companies such as Comcast, Verizon and AT&T agree.Telecoms companies such as Comcast, Verizon and AT&T agree.
Broadband association US Telecom said: "Today's action will provide tremendous opportunity for American broadband consumers, no matter where they live.Broadband association US Telecom said: "Today's action will provide tremendous opportunity for American broadband consumers, no matter where they live.
"The removal of antiquated, restrictive regulations will pave the way for broadband network investment, expansion and upgrades.""The removal of antiquated, restrictive regulations will pave the way for broadband network investment, expansion and upgrades."
But a range of other companies such as Netflix, Google and Amazon, say the FCC's proposals will make it easier for the telecoms companies to give priority to their own streaming video services or impede messaging tools such as Skype or WhatsApp.But a range of other companies such as Netflix, Google and Amazon, say the FCC's proposals will make it easier for the telecoms companies to give priority to their own streaming video services or impede messaging tools such as Skype or WhatsApp.
The proposals will now be voted on at the next FCC meeting, on 14 December.The proposals will now be voted on at the next FCC meeting, on 14 December.
As the body has a Republican majority, they are expected to be approved and will probably take effect early next year although consumer groups have said they will challenge them in the courts.As the body has a Republican majority, they are expected to be approved and will probably take effect early next year although consumer groups have said they will challenge them in the courts.