FCC's Net Neutrality Rules on Nov. 20

The FCC's Rules about Net Neutrality for ISP's and broadband providers goes into effect on November 20th, 2011. The underlying principles include transparency, no blocking and no unreasonable discrimination. "Criticized by opponents as a legally shaky government intrusion into regulating the Internet, the new rules would prevent network operators from blocking lawful content but still let them ration access to their networks," writes the Huffington Post.

"The proposed rules of the online road would prevent fixed-line broadband providers like Comcast and Qwest from blocking access to sites and applications. The rules, however, would allow wireless companies more latitude in putting limits on access to services and applications," writes the NY Times.

CNET gives us the 4 Rules of Net Neutrality from the FCC:

"The first rule requires both wireless and wireline providers to be transparent in how they manage and operate their networks."

"The second Net neutrality rule prohibits the blocking of traffic on the Internet. The rule applies to both fixed wireline broadband network operators as well as to wireless providers. But the stipulations for each type of network are slightly different."

"For fixed broadband networks, operators cannot block any lawful content, services, applications, or devices on their network. Wireless providers area also prohibited from blocking Web sites, but the rule is slightly more lenient when it comes to blocking applications and services. The rule only prohibits these companies from blocking access to applications that specifically compete with a carrier's telephony voice or video services. In each case, the blocking rule also allows fixed and wireless broadband providers to reasonably manage their networks."

"And finally, the last rule applies only to fixed broadband providers. It prohibits fixed wireline broadband providers from unreasonably discriminating against traffic on their network."

Opposition was posed by VZ and MetroPCS. But the court threw out the challenge because the rules were not published yet in the Federal register, which happened 30 days ago. "Congressional Republicans are also not too pleased by the rules. Back in April, the House voted to overturn the FCC's net neutrality rules, but the measure was largely a symbolic gesture," states PC Mag.