Net neutrality is the principle that the government as well as Internet service providers should treat all online content equally without giving preference to certain websites. An example of the Internet without net neutrality would be a website having to charge more money to its users because it streams content, such as Netflix, (Cheers! You can stream Netflix worry free now) or Internet Providers having website ‘bundles’ such as the one seen here:
As of today the Federal Communication Commission net neutrality rules have been implemented after a judge denied cable companies the right to delay the implementation of key parts in the net neutrality order.
Which means that there are no Internet slow lanes or website prioritization and The World Wide Web is open and, for the most part, free.
Part of this is due to the FCC voting this past February to reclassify consumer broadband services as a public utility under Title II of the 1934 Communications Act. Taking this measure will help control consumers are (and are not) being charged with.
“The ruling provides rules of engagement for ISPs (defined in the ruling asBroadband Internet Access Services or BIAS) who deliver Internet content via a mobile, satellite, or fixed cable connection,” Nelson Granados said in his article ‘Net Neutrality Goes Into Affect: What Consumers Should Expect.’
“One of the main issues at hand is that many of these providers have a monopoly of the last mile of cable to your home. The spirit of the ruling is to make sure that these providers give fair access and delivery of Internet content, so that the Internet remains an open access network.”
In a statement issued to media FCC Chairman, Tom Wheeler, said, “Blocking, throttling, pay-for-priority fast lanes and other efforts to come between consumers and the Internet are now things of the past. The rules also give broadband providers the certainty and economic incentive to build fast and competitive broadband networks.”
Tom Wheeler, Chairman of FCC, beside President Barack Obama
The fight for a free and open Internet is not over just yet. Cable companies have already started to file lawsuits which overturn Net Neutrality and congress is threatening to tie net neutrality to budget legislation.
There are many different opinions on the best course of action to take from here, but one thing is for sure Internet is one of the most essential components of modern society. Corporations and politicians want to make the Internet a money-guzzling, mismanaged monopoly and it we want an open Internet we can’t let that happen.
I will keep you updated on the latest news with net neutrality.
Sources:
http://goo.gl/JdslTC
Photo Credit:
Featured Image | Greg Elin, 2010 | Ex-FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski
Check out the Net Neutrality ruling doc here:
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-24A1.pdf
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