Republicans may have found a middle ground for net neutrality

2014 has seen a widescale battle for net neutrality, with the government and massive corporations clashing over just what a free and open internet will look like in the years to come. Much of that conversation has focused around the FCC reclassifying the internet as a Title II utility, which would let the commission impose more stringent rules and avoid things like paid “fast lane” access, but a new piece of Congressional legislation might seek to limit those controversial fast lanes without requiring reclassification.

Republicans in Congress appear likely to introduce legislation next month aimed at preventing Internet providers from speeding up some Web sites over others, in hopes of changing the tone of a critical debate over the future of the Web, according to industry officials familiar with the plans. The industry-backed proposal would preempt efforts by the Federal Communications Commission to draw up new rules for Internet providers. While key details of the proposed bill are still being hammered out, the legislation would attempt to end a debate over the FCC’s power to regulate net neutrality, or the idea that broadband companies should treat all Internet traffic equally, said the people familiar with the plan who declined to be named because the talks were private. The industry officials said they are discussing details of the proposal with several Republican lawmakers, whom they declined to name. The officials also said the proposal is being backed by several large telecommunications companies, which they also declined to name.