WASHINGTON — The Senate today voted against a resolution to reverse a U.S rule that would bar Internet service providers from interfering with subscribers’ web traffic.
With a vote of 52-46, Senators rejected a measure that would repeal net neutrality regulation, scheduled to take effect Nov. 20.
The Republican-led House passed the Federal Communication Commission resolution in April.
Republicans said the FCC rule amounts to regulation of the Internet, while Democrats said the rule will prevent companies from unfairly blocking or slowing rivals’ Internet offerings, BusinessWeek.com reported.
The regulation would bar Internet-service providers from blocking or slowing online content sent to homes and businesses, while allowing mobile-phone companies to put limits on web traffic.
Verizon has challenged the FCC’s rule in federal court, saying the agency lacks authority to regulate how companies offer Internet service.