Net Neutrality
What is Net Neutrality?
Net Neutrality is the principle that Internet Service Providers must treat all data on the Internet the same, and not discriminate or charge differently according to anything including race, political opinion, religion etc. It is what keeps service providers like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon from messing with the speed of your internet or blocking any content. It preserves our right to communicate freely online, it means our Internet Service Providers should provide us with open networks.
The FCC’s reasoning for repealing the 2015 regulation comes from a misplaced assumption that ISPs were no longer investing in their infrastructure because of the stringent law. However the opposite was true, many ISPs did make significant investments into their infrastructure and those that did not said it was related to the Net Neutrality laws.
On December 14th, 2017 the Federal Communications Commission voted for Chairman Ajit Pai’s plan to repeal Net Neutrality protections. Pai is a former Verizon lawyer who ignored the widespread opposition to his plan from millions of people, businesses and lawmakers. Pai tweeted out about his plan regarding what people can supposedly do without Net Neutrality.
“What will you be able to do on the internet after the @FCC repeals utility-style Internet regulations tomorrow? Everything. Here are a few examples.” Ajit Pai.
What will happen now?
Now companies like AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, T-Mobile, and other ISPs will be able to decide which websites and applications we can use and how well they work. They can slow down their competitors content or block political content that they disagree with. They can also make money off of other companies that can afford to pay to slow down their competitors service.
Senator Ed Markey recently tweeted how he plans to restore Net Neutrality.
“I plan to introduce a Congressional Review Act resolution that would restore the Open Internet Order and reverse the @FCC’s historic mistake of repealing #NetNeutrality This fight is far from over” — Ed Markey
Some students here at Cain have also spoken out against the FCC’s repealing of Net Neutrality.
One 9th grade Klein Cain student stated,
“…people are going to continue to pay for our internet, with or without Net Neutrality. People will decide to use internet over living in a house. Businesses will have to pay to send emails, and do any work online…”
“…it’s rather redundant of the original purpose of the internet.” said another Klein Cain Freshman.
“Originally, people would buy cable in a huge package, where all channels came under one price. Then, they decided to split up the channels. This introduced Sports packages and other such things like HBO, where people have to pay a premium for particular channels. This led to some people enjoying a lowered general price, but others were flustered with paying more for channels they already have, and this is how Cable died. Now, they’re trying to do the same thing with the Internet. Ultimately, it’s a choice between two different ways the internet should work” Arman Tavallaei, another Klein Cain Freshman.
Most of the views from students polled at Klein Cain are opposing the repeal of Net Neutrality.
Is the repeal set in stone?
This issue may ultimately end up being decided in court. Congress can also choose to pursue a legislative solution, a senator is already working on such a law. Net neutrality advocates are also saying they’ll push ahead with both options to fight the repeal. In order for the repeal to go into effect, it must be approved by the Office of Management and Budget — a process that could take several months. Since this is a regulation and no legislation it will not have to pass a vote through congress. It will likely face a lengthy journey through the nation’s court rooms, potentially delaying or even over-turning the decision.
