What the FCC Net neutrality rules will mean for Internet users
Culture
New rules that are expected to be approved by the FCC could effect every aspect of how we use the internet.
The FCC wants greater authority to treat internet service like a public utility.
Saying it's plan will protect the open internet.
A concept known as Net Neutrality.
That means that your broadband provider can't block or slow down your access to any websites or applications on the internet.
And it also means that the broadband provider can't charge companies like Netflix an added fee for access to a fast lane that gets you content any faster.
Even after these rules pass, Internet users won't notice changes, because the Internet has always been open.
But the rules ensure that it remains open in the future.
And doesn't become like cable TV.
That's a closed system where you have cable companies that are controlling the channels that you get to see, the content you're able to view.
and how easily you're able to find it.
President Obama and major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook support net neutrality.
But Republicans want to strip the FCC of any authority over internet regulation and oppose reclassifying broadband as a utility.
You can have extra taxes added to your broadband bill.
The government could regulate rates.
They could also force the broadband providers to open up their network to competitors.
Broadband providers and other opponents are expected to file lawsuits, so this isn't the final word on the net neutrality debate.
In San Fransisco I'm Sumi Das, cnet.com for CBS news.
