New net neutrality rules were approved Thursday by the Federal Communications Commission requiring all Internet service providers to treat legal content equally. 
Under the proposed net neutrality rules large cable or telephone companies are prohibited from slowing transmission speeds for specific content or requesting payment for prioritization on their Internet Networks.
 ISP’s will be permitted to provide fast lanes for public services and other approved exceptions.
 The proposal reclassifies Internet services as telecommunication services under Title II of the Telecommunications Act instead of an information service. As a telecommunication service ISP’s will be considered public utilities and they must provide all customers with fair access.
 The decision also includes regulations to protect consumer privacy and ensure Internet access for customers with disabilities and in rural areas.
 FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s proposal garnered lobbying in Washington and debate on social media since it’s introduction. According to USA Today Wheeler stated before the FCC panel that the Internet should be control free and the public should have open access to it.
 “The Internet is too important to allow broadband providers to make the rules,” Wheeler said.
 The new rules will be released in their entirety within a few days and will most likely go into effect in a couple of months.