FCC Chief Backs Some Rationing of Internet Traffic

Reuters photo

Internet service providers would be allowed to ration web traffic on their networks under a strategy unveiled by the top U.S. communications regulator that no longer focuses solely on open access.

Reuters reports Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski proposed banning the blocking of lawful traffic but allowing Internet providers to manage network congestion and charge consumers based on Internet usage.

The rules would be more flexible for wireless broadband, Genachowski said in a speech on Wednesday, acknowledging that wireless is at an earlier stage of development than terrestrial Internet service.

Wireless carriers seem pleased with how they would fare under the regulations, but online content providers could struggle under the proposal.

Read more here.

Also read here:

Plan could charge some users higher Internet fees (USA Today)