FCC to announce 'net neutrality' proposal

WASHINGTON, USA: The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission plans to introduce on Wednesday a proposal to keep Internet providers from blocking or slowing some traffic, according to The Washington Post.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a statement that he would propose so-called "net neutrality" rules without changing the way broadband providers are regulated, the Post reported.

Internet content companies and broadband providers have been waiting for FCC action on net neutrality rules, which would determine whether high-speed providers such as Comcast Corp and Verizon could block or slow some traffic, or charge for a "fast lane" to reach users more quickly.

Genachowski previously proposed reclassifying broadband to regulate it similar to telephone services, but broadband providers opposed this plan.

Lawmakers and others have urged the FCC to take up net neutrality at the group's December 21 meeting.