The FCC announced on Thursday that currents net neutrality protections will officially end on June 11, with ISPs able to prioritize or block Internet traffic as they wish from that date.
Providers will also be able to charge more for access to certain service, such as streaming video.
In spite of this, a long-shot vote may be in the works to reverse the legislation and restore net neutrality.
A democratic senator last week used an arcane congressional procedure to call for a vote on rolling back the FCC’s ruling. Although it seemed unlikely to work at the time, it seems to be finding some support.
Proponents currently have the backing of 47 Democrats and two independents who caucus with Democrats, as well as Republican Senator Susan Collins. With the prolonged absence of Republican Senator John McCain due to illness, proponents believe they will win on a 50-49 vote.
The Senate vote is expected to take place around the middle of next week and the bill itself would have to pass a House vote. Finally, President Trump would have the option to veto it and an assortment of legal battles have commenced, although they may not reach court for some time.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.