Business

How you get Netflix is set to change

Watching “House of Cards” and other streamed programs may be about to change.

The Federal Communications Commission is expected to pass revised Internet regulations Thursday that could open the door for Internet service providers to start charging content providers for improved service.

That could mean Netflix, which produces “House of Cards,” could be forced to pay more for keeping its video stream flowing — a cost that could then be passed on to consumers.

The FCC’s commissioners will gather in Washington at 10:30 a.m. to vote on whether this should be allowed as part of a broader proposal to regulate Internet traffic.

The proposal is expected to pass in a 3-to-2 vote, with the two Republican commissioners dissenting, sources told The Post.

If passed, the proposal will then be opened for public comment through September.

Final rules — which could also mandate an ombudsman to watch over ISPs like Verizon — are expected by the end of the year.

FCC Chairman Thomas Wheeler has been under pressure to craft a proposal that could pass muster with his fellow commissioners since his last draft fell flat last month.

Silicon Valley and consumer-advocate groups raised a firestorm of protest over the draft, with many accusing Wheeler of “killing the Internet.”

The new proposal is expected to be more palatable to the FCC’s Democratic commissioners as it opens the door to questions like:

  • Should ISPs be regulated as utilities, a process that would require support from Congress?
  • Should the FCC should appoint an ombudsman to watch for bad behavior from ISPs?
  • Should ISPs be banned from charging for better roadways, known as “paid prioritization”?

ISPs are already lining up against tougher regulations.

Comcast’s David Cohen on Wednesday blasted the “almost hysterical reaction” to the first round of proposed rules, saying pay-for-priority is already in motion.

Speaking at a conference in Midtown Manhattan, Cohen said billing content providers based on usage will be normal in five years.

“Whatever it is, we’re allowed to do it,” he said.