Philly Protesters Oppose Plan for Net Neutrality
What is net neutrality ? According to fortune.com Net neutrality is open web and access to everyone, the internet service providers can't block or slow down content deliberately for certain websites as they sees fit. The FCC approved this principle in 2010, which is stating that web access is a human right and is available to each and everyone. Internet Service Providers such as Comcast, Verizon, AT&T wants to change this service because of a profit, charging users to access to certain websites, and in turn charging more for a faster service. The net neutrality debate is an ongoing debate since 2010, it has been brung to the forefront because Federal Communication Commission chairman Ajit Pai, is on the quest to repeal the modern day rules which protects net neutrality. Back in May, the FCC voted to repeal net neutrality regulations. There are many groups and internet teams assembling an “Internet Wide Day of Action to Save Net Neutrality”.
If Internet service providers have their way, the internet as we know it can change for the worse. The web could go into 2 different versions, one is the fast version for large companies who are able to afford to pay for the fees that come along with high speed service. There could also be a slow version which is the service for everyone else. Internet bills can potentially increase for the everyday people, smaller start up companies may suffer as well if they are not able to afford the ISP fees. The critics that supports FCC’s decision do believe that services such as Youtube and Netflix are hindering the practicality of the Internet. If Internet service providers are able to charge larger bandwidth-users, there soon after a more easier and instant connection. The end of net neutrality could also put a stop illegal downloading of media and unauthorized content.
Protesters in Philly stood in front of Verizon stores on Race St. Thursday Dec. 7 to protest against the Federal Communications Commissions for net neutrality rules.
John Prenis, protests because he is aware that if this law is passed that certain websites will get blocked, and the internet will be policed he stated “anybody can join and nobody has special privileges, and I’d like to see it that way” as he discusses the way that we use the internet today.
The FCC is scheduled to vote on the rollback Dec. 14. The FCC is made up of three republicans and two Democrats. Supposedly the goal for the FCC is for an “Informative service” and not only a benefiting. The internet would also strip down formal rules from blocking certain website and really policing internet traffic. “Paid Prioritization” of internet traffic will be taken into effect, or what commentators considers fast and slow lanes for favorable content.
Contrary to popular belief there were Big companies such as Comcast, and Verizon who have bashed the Obama net neutrality veto back in 2015 regarding it as uncalled for. According to the TheHill “Supporters of the rules say they preserve competition and protect consumer choice, but opponents argue they impose unnecessary burdens on businesses and amount to government regulation of the Internet.” The supporters did not consider all of the outcome of the net neutrality bill passing, they were only concerned with the problems their consumers faced. However, Comcast has promised net neutrality to its customers, maintaining the ruling is more of an investment and breakthrough to the internet.
According to Change.org , a petition to save neutrality is accessible and easy for everyone to vote, and make a change. Change, made it very clear that without the internet there would not have been a tremendous amount of movements throughout the world. The internet, has made it easy for information to get passed along especially for great causes. The internet has brung different people together whether its through social media, music, or media platforms. In the poll created by Mozilla, there were majority Republicans and democrats that support these rules.
Without internet, for everyone to have the same access too regardless of socioeconomic background voices will not get heard. Internet access for those who can “afford” it, the unemployment rate will sky rocket and businesses will lose their consumers. Change is an online service, with an unfair internet service there will not be as much change as people would like to see
To sign the petition to appeal the FCC:
