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Proposed FCC Changes To Net Neutrality Draw Small Protest

Elle Moxley
/
KCUR

Some Kansas Citians say they're worried that new rules the Federal Communications Commission is considering would threaten net neutrality — the premise that all Internet traffic should be treated equally.

FCC commissioners met Thursday in Washington, D.C., to consider a couple of options. The first would let Internet service providers charge certain companies more to load their content faster, with the FCC overseeing those deals. The second would do the opposite – it would make broadband service a public utility and ban pay-for-performance agreements.

Ben Kjelshus, who lives in Greenwood, Mo., joined about a dozen protesters outside the FCC's office in Lee's Summit, Mo., to urge commissioners to select the second option. He says he doesn’t think companies should be able to buy better access to their content.

"Having two levels – a cheaper level and another level for fast track – that’s one means, I think, of restricting free speech," Kjelshus says.

The public will be able to weigh in on the proposed changes until July 15. It's expected the FCC will put its final recommendation to a vote later this year.

Elle Moxley covered education for KCUR.
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