In Net Neutrality Push, F.C.C. Is Expected to Propose Regulating Internet Service as a Utility

Steve Lohr, writing for the New York Times:

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission this week is widely expected to propose regulating Internet service like a public utility, a move certain to unleash another round of intense debate and lobbying about how to ensure so-called net neutrality, or an open Internet.

It is expected that the proposal will reclassify high-speed Internet service as a telecommunications service, instead of an information service, under Title II of the Communications Act, according to industry analysts, lobbyists and former F.C.C. staff members.

This news, if it turns out to be true, is very surprising to me. Given Tom Wheeler's history on Net Neutrality, I had expected him to whichever way Comcast & friends had wanted him to vote. I am still skeptical because of this bit from the article:

But Tom Wheeler, the F.C.C. chairman, will advocate a light-touch approach to Title II, they say, shunning the more intrusive aspects of utility-style regulation, like meddling in pricing decisions.

Still though, it seems that it will be better than I feared, which is a total rejection of Title II. That's something.