Is the government trying to take over the Internet? The Federal Communications Commission is looking at a plan that would enact a policy of “Net Neutrality”, where companies that provide access to the Internet would not be allowed to block certain sites or direct you to sites of their choosing.

As Culturemap wrote about back in April; A U.S. Court of Appeals ruled the FCC “overstepped” its authority when it ruled against Comcast doing just that. Now the FCC is offering a compromise on how it regulates high-speed Internet access for broadband companies. The new regulations will only apply to broadband companies in an attempt to not appear “heavy handed”.

Companies like Google and Skype say the rules are needed to prevent broadband providers from becoming online gate keepers. The proposed plan is expected to be challenged by the big phone and cable companies and is already facing opposition from Republicans at the FCC and in Congress.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said the new regulations will allow the FCC to move forward and “support policies that advance our global competitiveness and preserve the Internet as a powerful platform for innovations.” John Boehner, The House Republican leader from Ohio said the FCC’s proposal amounts to “a government takeover of the Internet”.

It reminds me of the days of the old west when ranchers started using barbed wire. The move was designed to protect their property, but it also blocked access to cattlemen trying to get their herds to market. The days of the open range were changed forever and the Internet could face the same fate if the broadband companies win.

The issue is likely headed back to the courts with the broadband companies complaining that restrictions on what they do could discourage them from investing in their lines. The FCC will soon seek public comment on the proposal, and it will be very interesting to see who joins sides with the FCC and who doesn’t.