"In 2005, the Federal Communications Commission had adapted four broad principles relating to the idea of network neutrality as part of a move to deregulate the internet services provided by telephone companies. Those principles declared the consumers had the right to use the content, applications, services and devices of their choice using the Internet. They also promoted competition between Internet providers."

"The F.C.C. under the Obama administration is moving to add a fifth principle that will prevent Internet providers from discriminating against certain services or applications. Consumer advocates are concerned that Internet providers might ban or degrade services that compete with their own offerings, like television shows delivered over the Web."