WASHINGTON — Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai is following through on his pledge to repeal 2015 regulations designed to ensure that internet service providers treat all online content and apps equally. The concept, known as "net neutrality," imposed utility-style regulation on ISPs such as Comcast, AT&T and Verizon to prevent them from favoring their own digital services over their rivals.

Pai believes the net neutrality rules adopted during the Obama administration discourage internet providers from making investments in their network to provide better, faster online access. In his announcement of the repeal proposal, he claimed the regulations "depressed investment in building and expanding broadband networks and deterred innovation."

Under the proposal, internet service providers would only be required to "be transparent about their practices," Pai said. He distributed his alternative plan to other FCC commissioners Tuesday in preparation for a Dec. 14 vote on the proposal, and promised to release his entire proposal Wednesday.

Acting Federal Trade Commission Chair Maureen Ohlhausen expressed support for the FCC's plan.