There is a pretty good chance that you posted pictures from your Thanksgiving and holiday activities, viewed friends photos, or even did a little holiday shopping online this past weekend. Each of us does so much more on the internet than consume content. We create, share and spread ideas, and connect with friends and family. This is the open internet experience that we have come to know.
Just before the Thanksgiving holiday, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) set forth with a plan to end net neutrality. They will hold a vote on their plan on December 14.
What is Net Neutrality?
Net neutrality allows consumers to go where they want and do what they want on the internet without their internet provider getting in the way. Basically, it means that internet providers can’t block websites, slow down internet speed to certain websites, or charge you a premium price if you want to view certain content online. Without net neutrality, your internet provider could favor traffic to online platforms that make special payments to them. They would also have the power to choose which online voices to amplify and which ones to censor, because they may not agree with that voice. This would affect everything online, including the connections we have on social media to the communities we may have created. Basically, Internet Service Providers will be able to charge web companies for fast lanes, meaning their speed won’t slow down and content will be shown to consumers, which they can’t do now. The consumer will not see any benefits, as all the benefits will go to the Internet Service Providers. What consumers will see, is their rates for internet going up.
What Could the Internet Look Like Afterwards?
It’s hard to say what using the internet without net neutrality will actually be like. It’s not surprising that the no one likes this plan set forth by the FCC, except for the cable companies themselves, as they will make even more money. It may start with internet service providers offering streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, or YouTube the opportunity to pay a fee to reach users at faster speeds during certain times of the day. Or Comcast speeds up access to its own video service. AT&T customers could get a better connection to HBO than Comcast subscribers, and Verizon subscribers get a better connection to Facebook. It’s hard to say what will happen without net neutrality. Now, the Internet Service Providers say they won’t do this, but why wouldn’t they in the future? They may not do it right away, but that is not to say they wouldn’t do it in a year, 2 years, or 3 years from now. Also, your Internet Service Provider could essentially bundle websites just like they bundle TV channels and you would be paying for the apps you use on your phone and the content that you consume.
Basically, net neutrality is the concept that all internet traffic is created equal and should be treated the same. That means your internet provider can’t suddenly decide to slow down YouTube or Netflix because they’re not paying enough. It also means they can’t charge you more for certain services. Without net neutrality rules, internet providers are free to charge you more for services they deliver.
This is not good. I wouldn’t be able to afford service anymore chances are.