Recently we've all been bombarded with terms like net neutrality, open internet, the FCC and Obamanet. But what does it all really mean? Until about 24 hours ago, I didn't understand much of it either. But after reading every article and document I could get my hands on about the issue, I think I've come up with a pretty fool proof, unbiased (and hopefully helpful) guide to what's going on with the world wide web and how it will affect all of us. Happy reading!
What you need to know:
The concept and rules of an open internet, recently developed by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), basically stop internet providers — think Comcast, Verizon, AT&T —from altering the speed of your internet connection for any reason.
In the past, the FCC has steered clear of regulating the internet because it was a source of information. Fast-forward to modern day: internet service providers are slowing down connections to sites they aren't affiliated with and charging prices so high that small businesses can't afford to get their website on a Comcast fast-lane. Enter the FCC.
The internet is a necessity in the lives of many American's everyday, which is why the FCC was urged to label the internet a public utility like water and electric. Their response?
The commission has decided it's time for some regulations on these big internet service providers because they might just be getting a little too powerful. And nobody likes a monopoly, except maybe Walmart.
So what are the rules?
Amongst the lengthy paragraphs full of legal jargon, I've provided you with the cliff notes:
1. No more slowing down connections of sites that providers aren't affiliated with
- So next time you're trying to get a good cry in with The Bachelor online (an ABC program), your internet provider Comcast (an NBC affiliate) isn't allowed to slow down your connection just because they would prefer you watch something on NBC.
2. No more picking on the little guys
- Big time internet providers often charge astronomical rates to companies in order to get their site on a fast lane so that users can have a speedy experience and in turn associate that speedy experience with the site.
- Surprising as it is, small businesses just don't have that kind of money. And now they don't need it. The goal is to provide an equal opportunity for companies of all shapes and sizes.
3. No more controlling what we see
- We're the bosses now! But really, the service providers can no longer block legal content available on the internet.
4. Transparency
- Disclosure on how all sites are being managed by all service providers
5. Anti-discrimination
- Overall net-neutrality. Creating a level playing field for everyone on the world wide web and not just those who can afford to pay the big bucks.
The changes seem to be pretty positive, right?
- Service providers are forced to treat all sites equally, meaning that they aren't allowed to control what we see and at the speed we see it.
- The regulations enforce 3 important things: transparency, anti-blocking and anti-discrimination.
- Small businesses can now compete with the big dogs.
- Companies like Comcast and Verizon aren't in charge of what we see and when we see it online. All hail the RED, WHITE and BLUE!
So what seems to be the problem here?
- These changes could potentially have a very negative effect on revenue potential for big time internet providers.
- Internet providers say that by getting rid of net neutrality, they would be able to charge the advertisers, and in turn, charge us less or even nothing for data plans (not holding my breath on the free thing).
- If so many aspects of the internet become regulated, then it will decrease the desire to invest in the service providers and in turn raise prices for consumer.
- Some fear that this level of government control is moving us just a little closer towards socialism. The FCC disagrees.
Fans of the new regulations:
Small online companies
Obama
Opponents:
Comcast
Verizon
AT&T
The companies who own these big boys ^^^
So what now?
These new regulations have a lot of fans and a lot of haters. But regardless of which side you're on, these changes are still very, very new. The FCC is expecting a lot, and I mean A LOT, of lawsuits regarding the new rules, which they say they are prepared for.
In any case, this new legislation will definitely go down in history as a bold move by the FCC and a potentially historical decision with major impacts on our technologically based society.
Welcome to 2015 people!
