The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted to repeal the so-called net neutrality rules, which require internet service providers to treat all customers equally.

In practice, what that means is that under net neutrality, a service provider such as Comcast or AT&T could not provide an over-the-top company, such as Netflix or Hulu, with faster access speeds even if those streaming services shelled out for the privilege. Now, those providers can offer tiered services — faster internet service for more money — as long as they are transparent about the transactions. According to the FCC’s new rules, the FTC will have the authority to take action against companies that they deem are acting anti-competitively.

Critics worry that repealing the rules will quash innovation and make it almost impossible for start-ups and other small internet ventures to compete against established giants. In addition, the increased costs of acquiring faster service would likely be passed to the consumer, who would have to pay more for online streaming subscriptions. That said, many internet service providers have said they don’t intend to change their business practices regardless of any change to the rules.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai says the rules lead to the government “micromanaging the internet,” stifling competition.

“The government shouldn’t be in the business of picking winners and losers in the Internet economy,” Pai said during the FCC’s open meeting on Thursday. “We should have a level playing field and let consumers decide who prevails.”

The vote cleared on a 3-2 party line vote, with both Democratic commissioners voting against the change.

“When the current protections are abandoned, and the rules that have been officially in place since 2015 are repealed, we will have a Cheshire cat version of net neutrality,” said Democratic FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn at the meeting. “We will be in a world where regulatory substance fades to black, and all that is left is a broadband provider’s toothy grin ... and those oh so comforting words: we have every incentive, don’t worry, we have every incentive to do the right thing. What they will soon have, is every incentive to do their own thing.”

Some of the internet’s biggest companies also have opposed repealing the rules, including Netflix, which tweeted:

Already consumer groups — including Public Knowledge, Free Press and the National Hispanic Media Coalition — are preparing to challenge the rules in court, as well as New York and 18 other states.

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