The Federal Communications Commission approved Thursday a sweeping plan to regulate broadband like a utility, a move supporters say will ensure the Internet remains an open place. Washington bureau reporter Michael Scotto filed the following report.

Supporters of net neutrality rallied outside the FCC headquarters Thursday, hours before the agency approved an historic plan to regulate broadband like a public utility.

The new rules, according to supporters, will ensure all Internet content remains accessible to everyone, without so-called fast lanes for companies that are willing to pay to reach your computer or smartphone more quickly.

"The Internet is simply too important to allow broadband providers to be the ones making the rules," said FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler.

The 3 to 2 vote broke down along party lines, with the FCC's two Republicans objecting to the plan. They claimed that turning broadband into a utility will jack up rates and stifle innovation.

"This order imposes intrusive government regulations that won't work to solve a problem that doesn't exist using legal authority the FCC doesn't have," said FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai.  

Even though the rules are in place, the debate is far from over. Opponents are vowing to take the FCC to court.  

The National Cable and Telecommunications Association, which represents our parent company, Time Warner Cable, blasted the new rules, saying, "The FCC has taken the overwhelming support for an open Internet and pried open the door to heavy-handed government regulation in a space celebrated for its free enterprise."

Comcast, which is attempting to merge with Time Warner Cable, said, "We are disappointed the Commission chose this route, which is certain to lead to years of litigation and regulatory uncertainty and may greatly harm investment and innovation."

Supporters, including Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple, said broadband providers needed more regulation.

"Bad behavior towards consumers and the Internet is such an important part of our life," Wozniak said. "There's got to be some oversight."

Oversight that supporters say will keep the Internet the place it was meant to be.