Net Neutrality and why I believe it
should stay
Net Neutrality has been a hot topic
for the past couple of years and with good reason too. Recently the idea of Net
neutrality has come under fire under the FCC’s watch and outcome of how the situation
will have a very large effect on present and future internet users. As an avid
user of the internet, it is safe to say that I am strong supporter for net neutrality,
and I believe that it should not be changed in anyway. People who are against
net neutrality make quite a few arguments for why it should be removed, but
overall I still remain a strong supporter of net neutrality.
Before we can begin the debate on
net neutrality and whether it should remain or not, we must first get an idea
of what net neutrality is. A good definition for net neutrality comes from an
article posted by USA Today which states: “Net neutrality, or open Internet, is
the principle that Internet service providers (ISPs) should give consumers
access to all legal content and applications on an equal basis, without
favoring some sources or blocking others.” In other words, net neutrality is
essentially is the ability to access aspects of the internet for and prohibits
internet service providers from charging for speedier delivery or priority of
content. Net neutrality is so important to internet users like you and I because
it makes sure that all content that you would be looking to access from content
providers will be treated equally by internet service providers, which means
that speed of whatever content you are viewing will not be affected. All net neutrality
rules are created and enforced by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission.
The
main issue surrounding the FCC’s control over net neutrality has been around
for a while, but one of the biggest factors in this issue came on June 10th
of this year when the Republican controlled House Appropriations Committee proposed
a budget that would prevent the FCC from enacting its new net neutrality rules.
These rules looked to prevent blocking or giving priority to content from
certain web services. According to an article Republican budget would prohibit FCC from enforcing net neutrality
rules, delaying the implantation of the rules could keep them from
being used for a few years, which would allow internet service providers plenty
of time to impose their will on content
providers.
As an avid user of the internet, it
should come as no surprise that I am a big supporter of net neutrality, and
with a very good reason. Because of net neutrality, consumers get their desired
content at the same speed no matter what internet provider they choose to use,
whether it be AT&T, Verizon, or Comcast. This is the case because these
companies are not allowed to restrict the internet traffic on their networks.
While I find net neutrality to be
very important and helpful, there are some that find it to be a hindrance and
see the negatives in the concept. The main advocates against net neutrality are
internet service providers such as the companies mentioned in the previous paragraph
above. One argument from the article What is Net Neutrality? against net neutrality is that regulating the
internet will prevent innovation, which the internet thrives on. Another argument
provided is that a certain level of restriction or prioritization would
actually be in the best interest of customers. When looking at these two
arguments, it is safe to say that I am still a firm believer in net neutrality.
I don’t see how regulating fair internet usage among all users would somehow
limit innovation and new ideas on how to access the internet. I also do not see
how prioritizing internet usage and placing restrictions would benefit customers.
In fact, could see this doing the exact opposite the prioritizing or
restricting certain content or internet usage forcing customers to either pay
more for content or find a different service provider. Overall, I hope the net neutrality
is here to stay.
Sources:
Great post! there is not enough publicity about this issue. Net Neutrality is an important thing because the internet should be a free domain for all. There should not be a fast lane and a slow lane because the internet should be accessible for all in the same way.
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