Rural phone companies can now charge whatever they want for business internet

The US communications regulator wants to stop setting prices for business internet services offered by small, rural phone companies. This means these companies will no longer have to file their prices with the government or follow rules about how much they can charge.

For decades, the US communications regulator set prices for business internet services in areas where there was little competition. This was meant to protect customers from being overcharged. If these rules are removed, businesses in rural areas could see their internet costs rise significantly, or they might get faster service if companies invest more.