US regulators on Thursday approved landmark Internet rules that would prevent broadband providers from separating online traffic into slow and fast lanes. The Federal Communications Commission's 3-2 vote in favor of so-called "net neutrality" followed an intense debate in Washington pitting backers of online services like Netflix, Twitter and Yelp against big Internet service providers like AT&T and Verizon, Reports Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Net neutrality is the principle that Internet providers should treat all traffic on their networks equally.

FCC chairman Tom Wheeler said the plan would foster a free and open Internet where broadband services cannot be "gatekeepers" for what is available online.

The plan unveiled earlier this month by Wheeler regulates broadband Internet service providers as "public utility" carriers, revamping the agency's rules struck down by a federal court last year.

The new rule also applies the concept to mobile Internet carriers, preventing them from blocking or throttling content for competitive reasons.

President Barack Obama, who urged the FCC in November to adopt rules enshrining the concept of "net neutrality," welcomed the FCC action, saying it will "protect innovation and create a level playing field for the next generation of entrepreneurs."

The plan prohibits service providers from blocking lawful content or slowing one service, such as streaming video operator Netflix, to support a rival like Hulu.

But the years-long battle may not end with the FCC vote. The ruling is likely to face fresh court challenges, and the Republican-controlled Congress could seek to overturn or modify the regulations.

Agence France-Presse (AFP)