The Open Internet Rules promised by the FCC for many months are now in effect.

Bright Line Rules Apply to Mobile as Well
FCC Announces Open Internet Rules in Effect

The new rules apply to both fixed and mobile broadband service, and arise in part due to the “growing significance of mobile broadband Internet access.”

• No Blocking: broadband providers may not block access to legal content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices.
• No Throttling: broadband providers may not impair or degrade lawful Internet traffic on the basis of content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices.
• No Paid Prioritization: broadband providers may not favor some lawful Internet traffic over other lawful traffic in exchange for consideration of any kind—in other words, no “fast lanes.” This rule also bans ISPs from prioritizing content and services of their affiliates.

(Source: FCC)

These rules establish a “legal standard” for broadband providers to ensure that they do not “disadvantage consumers’ access to the Internet,” according to the FCC. They also attempt to ensure that the providers keep the “ability to manage the technical and engineering aspects of their networks.”

Upshot? These rules are part of the new “legal framework” so that the FCC has more power and influence when conflicts arise between  broadband providers, network operators, and service providers in the future.

The rules are meant to maintain open access to “legal online content” for the public, and limit Internet access providers’ power to block, change, or even establish fast or slow lanes to such content. “An Open Internet means consumers can go where they want, when they want,” according to a recent FCC release. “This principle is often referred to as Net Neutrality. It means innovators can develop products and services without asking for permission. It means consumers will demand more and better broadband as they enjoy new lawful Internet services, applications and content, and broadband providers cannot block, throttle, or create special fast lanes for that content.”

(Note: a complete summary and analysis of the new rules are available on the FCC website under Fact Sheets.)

“Open Internet Rules Now in Effect”