The internet gives us the freedom to search any topic of interest, express ideas, start businesses, stream video, and communicate with friends, families, and even strangers across the world. The FCC protects the right of every American to have equal access to high-speed internet.
Net Neutrality is another way of referring to these rights. It ensures an “open-internet.” The FCC defines “open internet” as “the Internet as we know it, a level playing field where consumers can make their own choices about what applications and services to use, and where consumers are free to decide what content they want to access, create, or share with others.”
Well, these rights may now in danger. Internet providers such as Verizon and AT&T want a system in which they can charge users and companies based on how much broadband they use. For example, companies like Netflix may now have to pay a “toll” to stream videos.
Recently, Verizon challenged the FCC in the Federal Court of Appeals and won. Internet providers can now regulate broadband speeds.
The immediate effects of this ruling will be felt by business who need high-speed internet and large quantities of broadband. However, the effects may eventually trickle down to consumers.
Students are concerned about the potential financial effect this will have. Freshman Marketing major Jaelen Bryant says, “If the internet goes up because of how much we use it…we use it all the time, I mean broke college student can’t afford to pay for that, who would want to pay for that…”
The grass roots organization Save the Internet will continue fight against internet regulations and encourages consumers to take action.