Net-neutrality rules to take effect Nov. 20

The Federal Register is set to publish the Federal Communication Commission’s net-neutrality rules on Friday, meaning they will take effect on Nov. 20.

The rules, titled “Preserving Open Internet,” are listed on the Federal Register’s website for public review before they are printed.

{mosads}The rules prevent Internet service providers (ISP) from discriminating between two similar content providers by slowing down or speeding up access to their sites. Wireless carriers are banned from blocking lawful websites or applications that compete with their services.

The FCC approved the rules last December in a partisan vote. Republicans were quick to characterize the move as the FCC’s attempt to regulate the Internet. Supporters argue without such rules, ISPs will dictate what content reaches users.

Parties can file lawsuits against the regulations once they are published.

A federal court tossed out Verizon’s challenge to the rules in April, concluding the lawsuit was premature.