Net Neutrality: What Will It Cost Us?

Yesterday the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2, to end net neutrality – the regulation that prohibits internet service providers from blocking certain services, slowing down particular websites, or charging more for access.

WHAT IS “NET NEUTRALITY?”

A: The principle that Internet service providers should enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source, and without favoring or blocking particular products or websites.

Technology expert John C. Havens reacted to the voting results with a tweet stating:

Freedom of Speech is a big concern for many, it can be argued that without net neutrality, providers could give priority to video from TV networks it owns—and slow down the signals from its rivals.

Verizon — the company that led the charge to strike down the regilation in court, already released a statement to assure the public that censorship will not be an issue!

“Unblocked access to lawful web sites … will not change.” -Verizon

Broadband providers AT&T and Comcast also say the public has nothing to worry about. They also promised not to block or throttle content. But many fear internet providers will prioritize their own content, or content from their partners.

What Does It Mean For Consumers?

Now that the government will no longer regulate internet, many are concerned what their service providers will charge. Futurist and Innovation expert Jim Carol tweeted about leaked pricing plans from telcos.

Some believe net neutrality gives people choices. Evan Greer, campaign director for the pro-net neutrality activist group Fight for the Future believes, “If we get rid of net neutrality protections, it allows the largest, most incumbent web companies to essentially pay protection money to ISPs to solidify their monopoly status and squash competition.”

Are You For or Against?

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