The FCC is expected to support modification of its four current principles of net neutrality to include a fifth: Tighter regulation of network management by internet service providers.

While a final vote might take place until the Spring of 2010, the move puts the issue front and center between consumers and internet service providers who claim they alone have a right to control access to their network, not the government.

In theory, the concept empowers users while frustrating the ISPs who have to deal with an ever-increasing demand for content in various forms: Streaming video, movies and music.

In reality, when it comes to bandwidth, a level playing field giving consumers access to so much content means more problems, not less.

IPhone users for example have complained that the 3G network in use is suffering problems because of the increased adoption of the popular device.

A more open Internet would likely not see that situation improve as so many more people now download or stream video than previously.

There is also concern that the move to net neutrality would create economic divisions where people would have to pay a premium for faster connections. The slowest speeds? Left for the bottom tier user. Net neutrality seeks to prevent this, in theory at least.

The move to adopt the proposed rule is expected to kick off this October.