US regulators move toward ban on Internet providers from blocking or slowing Web traffic

U.S. regulators are moving toward tougher rules for Internet service providers like Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile.

The Federal Communications Commission is expected to approve a plan Thursday that puts the Internet in the same regulatory camp as the telephone. The new rule would require that providers act in the public's interest when providing broadband connections. The goal is to prevent broadband providers from intentionally blocking or slowing Web traffic.

Several providers, including those selling wireless service, oppose the move. They are expected to sue the FCC in federal court to block the regulations.

Republicans in Congress say they will try to pass legislation that would spare the industry from rules they say are unnecessary.