Recently, the FCC(Federal Communications Commission), ruled in favor 3-2 to reconsider rules requiring net neutrality. Well, what is net neutrality? It may not sound like much, but it is a backbone that provides the internet as we know it.
Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers(ISPs) and other companies and individuals should treat all information on the internet equally. What does that mean? It means that the company providing your internet can't charge you extra to get quick access to Netflix or Facebook. It must give you the same speed access to all data and websites. Say Comcast is your ISP. Comcast can't slow down your access to Netflix, even though Comcast owns part of Hulu, a competitor to Netflix.
Just a week or two ago, the FCC ruled 3-2 to reconsider net neutrality. Why? If this thing is so important, why would a government agency try to rule against it? Some point to the fact that some of the members of the commission, including the chairman, Tom Wheeler, used to work for ISPs and/or other related companies, and many still have connections. So, in some ways, the FCC is in the pocket of Comcast and other internet companies. How they got to be in a position of power with a conflict of interest is a topic for a whole different post.
But how will this affect you? Well, Comcast is planning to impose a 300gb cap on data per month for each user. So if you like streaming Netflix over your computer, think again; the new caps could seriously hurt families who have multiple internet users in their family(families with more than one teenager could be especially hurt by this new policy). You might have a higher bill from other services as ISPs could charge them extra to provide you with the same quality.
Then again, the ruling has not been finalized. If these things do not look appealing to you, get involved. Sign a petition or spread the word. There is still time to save net neutrality. It's all up to us.
Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers(ISPs) and other companies and individuals should treat all information on the internet equally. What does that mean? It means that the company providing your internet can't charge you extra to get quick access to Netflix or Facebook. It must give you the same speed access to all data and websites. Say Comcast is your ISP. Comcast can't slow down your access to Netflix, even though Comcast owns part of Hulu, a competitor to Netflix.
Just a week or two ago, the FCC ruled 3-2 to reconsider net neutrality. Why? If this thing is so important, why would a government agency try to rule against it? Some point to the fact that some of the members of the commission, including the chairman, Tom Wheeler, used to work for ISPs and/or other related companies, and many still have connections. So, in some ways, the FCC is in the pocket of Comcast and other internet companies. How they got to be in a position of power with a conflict of interest is a topic for a whole different post.
But how will this affect you? Well, Comcast is planning to impose a 300gb cap on data per month for each user. So if you like streaming Netflix over your computer, think again; the new caps could seriously hurt families who have multiple internet users in their family(families with more than one teenager could be especially hurt by this new policy). You might have a higher bill from other services as ISPs could charge them extra to provide you with the same quality.
Then again, the ruling has not been finalized. If these things do not look appealing to you, get involved. Sign a petition or spread the word. There is still time to save net neutrality. It's all up to us.