Within just a month, the way we use our internet may be changed forever. That change will be coming on February 26 as the Federal Communications Commission holds a vote to determine net neutrality.
According to an article on cnet.com, net neutrality is the concept that all online traffic should be treated equally by broadband providers with no restrictions or preferential treatment given to certain types of traffic.
The issue surrounding all of it is how it should be classified. For example, according to cnet.com, large broadband providers like AT&T and Verizon said that reclassifying broadband as a utility will stifle innovation by imposing antiquated telecommunications regulations on an industry that they said will grow well without government regulation. However, companies like Netflix said that doing this will be one of the only ways that net neutrality will stand up in future court challenges.
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said that the ultimate goal of voting is to make sure that the agency can provide a legal standing for rules that will prohibit broadband providers from blocking content, throttling content, or offering a paid prioritization service, as well as ensuring that the customer is clear in knowing what they are paying for.
Net neutrality is not the only issue to arise. According to an article on engadget.com, the FCC is also hoping to raise expectations for American internet speeds. The latest draft report set out by the FCC sets the home broadband speed as 25 Mbps downstream and 3Mbps upstream; which is must faster than what we have right now. However, companies would not be forced to improve their speeds. At the same time, it is also likely that there will be plenty of subsidies and efforts to boost internet speed across the country, so that Americans who don’t have access now, will no longer be denied simply for living in the wrong area.
The fate of Net neutrality will be voted on Feb. 26.
Matt Summers
Reporter