The Commerce Committee of the U.S. Senate nixed net neutrality rules, joining the House in dealing a setback to internet companies (e.g., eBay, Google and Amazon) and giving a boost to carriers (such as AT&T and Verizon), reports CNET. An 11-11 tie resulted in the defeat of a Democrat-backed amendment that would have ensured all internet traffic, no matter its source or destination, is treated equally. All the Republican committee members except Olympia Snowe of Maine voted against it.

Internet companies argued net neutrality rules are needed to ensure a level playing field; broadband providers argued rules were unnecessary and burdensome. Some Net neutrality regulations were accepted, however, including an "Internet consumer bill of rights."

Without new rules prohibiting carriers from making deals that give priority to the transport of their own services over the internet, "we're giving two entities, the Bells and cable, the power to be able to cut deals, and that will change the relationship of entrepreneurs to the internet and to the financial marketplace," said John Kerry (D-MA).

Kerry said the bill could face a filibuster in the full Senate if it did not protect users from discrimination, reports the Associated Press.