On February 26th, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said “yes” to net neutrality.
This 3 to 2 vote reclassifies Internet service providers as public utilities, on the same level as gas, electric and water utility companies. These new rules make sure that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) treat all legal content equally and insures that all consumers get fair access to their services.
This means that from now on Internet providers can no longer speed up access to sites that pay for faster connection. The FCC wants us to be able to browse websites of large, influential companies just as fast as the smaller sites with less traffic. We currently do not live in a ‘net neutral’ world, meaning that right now Internet providers are reserving “fast lane” networks for companies that are willing to pay big bucks for that privilege.
What about those who can’t pay for faster connection? Their transmission speeds are slowed, and this is called paid prioritization.
Pretty unfair, right? Well, with net neutrality, also called open Internet, this type of discrimination will be prohibited. This is a big win for small businesses, startups and content providers!
Paid prioritization was bad for innovation and put the little guys at a major disadvantage. FCC Chairman, Tom Wheeler, says, “the Internet is too important to allow broadband providers to make the rules.” – and President Obama agrees.
Now that net neutrality has been approved by the FCC, there’s no telling what the future will hold. Your company’s website is now on an even playing field with the likes of Facebook and Netflix, and that’s great for business.
What Do You Think?
Does FCC control over ISPs have unforeseen implications for the future? Are there other downsides? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
Net neutrality is a BAD thing. Those who can pay more should get fast lane service. It’s called the free market. The Net Neutrality regulation marks the end of freedom online and the 300+ pages that weren’t released to the public will ultimately pave the way for content regulation in the name of “fairness.” Those who control information, control the world. Finally, the “fast lane service” for those who can afford it will not go away with this vote. There will always be carve outs and exceptions for big business favored by whomever is in power. Cronyism is all too dominant today. No one should support this type of regulation. It has brought government into was was formerly the most free (and successful) venue for free speech and innovation. A sad day indeed.
Thanks for your comment, Rick. There are certainly two sides to the story, and you bring up some great points. It’s tough because on one hand you’ve got small businesses who can “theoretically” now compete with larger organizations online, and yet there will always be loopholes for those with indispensable funds.