The U.S. Senate approved a measure 52-47 on May 16 to subvert the Federal Communications Commission's plan to dismantle so-called "net neutrality" regulations, USA Today reports.
Here are four things to know about what's next for net neutrality.
1. The Obama-era rules, commonly referred to as "net neutrality," prohibit broadband companies from prioritizing or blocking some content over others. The regulations also prevent internet service providers from charging additional fees for select capabilities, such as high-quality streaming.
2. The FCC voted 3-2 to dismantle the net neutrality rules in December 2017. Under the FCC's proposed rule, the agency would employ "light-touch regulation" over internet service providers.
"We are helping consumers and promoting competition,"Ajit Pai, chairman of the FCC, said before the vote, The New York Times reported at the time. "Broadband providers will have more incentive to build networks, especially to underserved areas."
3. All 49 Democrats and three of the 51 Republicans in the Senate voted in favor of the measure to maintain net neutrality in the 52-47 vote. The three Senate Republicans included Susan Collins, Maine; John Kennedy, La.; and Lisa Murkowski, Alaska.
4. There are still major hurdles to maintaining net neutrality, according to USA Today. The measure will likely not pass the U.S. House, and it would also have to be approved by President Donald Trump.