FCC chief lays out attack on ‘net neutrality’ rules

NEW YORK – The head of the country’s telecommunications regulator says there will be a vote in May on ditching Obama-era “net neutrality” rules that keep telecoms from favouring some sites and apps.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai said in a Wednesday speech that he wants to ditch the legal basis for the net neutrality rules that regulated internet service as a utility, like phone service. He also wants to eliminate the FCC’s broad powers to monitor Verizon, AT&T and Comcast for bad behaviour.

He is seeking input on how to change rules barring broadband providers from blocking and slowing down websites and from charging internet companies for a “fast lane” to customers.

These proposals are expected to set off a long fight in Washington.