New chapter begins in network neutrality fight

The battle for the open Internet has entered a new phase.

On one side, federal regulators and content providers are trying to preserve competition and keep all websites equally accessible. On the other, Internet service providers want to hold down their costs while keeping up with Americans' ever-increasing demand for digital content. These goals may be mutually exclusive, and it isn't yet clear which side will emerge victorious. The Federal Communications Commission now faces the challenge of crafting new network neutrality regulations that will withstand legal scrutiny. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said that the agency plans to do just that. The FCC is currently collecting public comments before issuing its new set of regulations. Chairman Wheeler said those rules would prohibit ISPs from blocking websites, force them to disclose how they manage traffic and prevent them from favoring some kinds of traffic over others -- for example, loading Amazon faster than eBay. The agency also wants to enhance competition among ISPs by reversing restrictions on broadband services from local governments.