Is net neutrality a real issue for consumers of the internet in small cities and rural areas? State Senator Michael Hastings says it is. No matter where you live, you want to have quick access the latest information on the web. He says wherever you find yourself – speedy and open access to the web is critical.

Hastings says the FCC vote on Thursday is a setback for small businesses in Illinois and may harm the start up and tech industry in the state.

State attorneys general, including in Illinois, are threatening lawsuits against the federal government’s repeal of “net neutrality” rules.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says he’ll lead a multi state lawsuit to stop the Federal Communications Commission’s rollback of rules that guaranteed equal access to the internet.

Schneiderman has been investigating fake public comments submitted to the FCC during the net neutrality comment process.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, a Republican, said in July that the raw number of comments wasn’t as important as the substance of issues raised.