FCC's Net neutrality provisions could be boon for online video companies

New FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced new rules regarding Net neutrality this week that are being praised by open network advocates and online video players. The provision, which states that broadband providers cannot block or degrade lawful traffic over their networks, must pass through the commission and get approved before it gets any teeth, but telcos, other Internet providers, and anti-regulation hawks already have begun lambasting the idea.

The regulation of broadband so that video cannot be blocked simply due to its high bandwidth usage is great news for online video companies that depend on unlimited consumer access to broadband to drive growth. While some industry observers think guaranteeing Net neutrality through regulation actually will hamper higher traffic speeds, online video companies can't help but like the direction the new FCC is taking. 

For more:
- see the PC World write up of the proposed regulation and response here