By CBC News

New rules aimed at prohibiting broadband providers from becoming gatekeepers of internet traffic have just enough votes to pass the U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday.

The rules would prohibit phone and cable companies from abusing their control over broadband connections to discriminate against rival content or services, such as internet phone calls or online video, or play favourites with web traffic.

Julius Genachowski, the FCC chairman, now has the three votes needed for approval, despite firm opposition from the two Republicans on the five-member commission. Genachowski's two fellow Democrats said Monday they will vote for the rules, even though they consider them too weak.

"The actions by the Federal Communications Commission fall far short of what they could have been," said Gigi Sohn, president of Public Knowledge. "Instead of strong, firm rules providing clear protections, the commission, created a vague and shifting landscape open to interpretation."

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