It’s a term that some have heard in the news, but never gave the time of day to what it actually meant. Or maybe you just assumed it was good or bad based on the name. While this sounds like it’s an issue that only lawmakers or technology people should know, this is something much bigger than that. This issue affects anyone who uses or pays for internet, as well as anyone creating websites or trying to create a new Internet Service Provider.
So, what is Net Neutrality? In summary, it’s how the current internet works. You pay the Internet Service Provider to access anything you want online. Whether it’s Netflix or just browsing Facebook, you’re able to access whatever you’d like with no limitation. Regardless of where you go to use the internet, the government or Internet Service Provider aren’t blocking your access to what you can or cannot view.
So, what is the internet without Net Neutrality? Let’s look at an example as if you were purchasing an internet plan. We’re going to assume that you’re signing up with XYZNet. The first plan allows you to view basic information sites like Wikipedia and small text sites for $10 a month. You want to go on Facebook? You’ll need to purchase the upgraded plan for $25 a month. Want to do a Netflix and Chill night? You’re out of luck unless you plan on purchasing the Ultra package for $60 a month! Doesn’t that sound lovely? Not at all. Not only this, but the Internet Service Providers and the government can block access from any site that they don’t like.
Now do you see why this is an issue? Hundreds of people use the Internet to share opposing ideas, for activisim, or to share unpopular opinions. With no Net Neutrality, all of these sites can be blocked and not visible to the public, depending on what ISP you have. Not only this, but other businesses that the ISP doesn’t like can also be blocked, in turn hurting the businesses revenue. Especially in this day and age where everything we do is on the Internet, it’s one of the issues that everyone should be interested in and fighting for.
This’ll affect anyone who is also trying to start a business. Companies like Google, Facebook, or Amazon can pay ISPs to block new small competitors to avoid customers from jumping ship to a new service. New ideas and products can be stopped with just a simple check written to the ISP. How fair is this? Not at all.
So, what can you do to make sure that Net Neutrality is here to stay? You can contact your local senator and congress officials and discuss with them your views on the matter, share this article, and make other people aware about the situation that we are currently in, and why it would be bad to get rid of this. You can also let the FCC know why Net Neutrality is important to you by visiting this website and entering the information.
