Democrats propose legislation that would force FCC to ban Internet fast lanes

Source: Salon

Today the Washington Post reported that Democratic lawmakers in both the Senate and House would unveil legislation aimed to prevent an Internet fast lane.

The proposed bill was introduced by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif. It would require the FCC to use its authority to prevent the speeding up of some Internet entities at the expense of others. For example, speeding up a streaming video service at the expense of another Web service. The Post reports:

“It wouldn’t give the commission new powers, but the bill — known as the Online Competition and Consumer Choice Act — would give the FCC crucial political cover to prohibit what consumer advocates say would harm startup companies and Internet services by requiring them to pay extra fees to ISPs.”

The ban on “fast lanes” would apply to the connection between consumers and Internet service providers (ISPs), and would fall into current net neutrality rules.

Read more: http://www.salon.com/2014/06/17/democrats_propose_legislation_that_would_force_fcc_to_ban_internet_fast_lanes/