By Casey King
The Internet is a space widely used for communication, education, business, entertainment, and much more. It is something that at times people may take for granted. However, a recent proposal by the FCC has put net neutrality into jeopardy. The FCC is pushing a policy proposal that would allow Internet service providers to charge for a faster speed to connect to different Internet content. This would result in websites like Netflix and Google to make deals with different Internet service providers in order to get their content to their customers, resulting in Internet users paying more to their service provider.
With 90% of Americans only having two options when deciding on their provider, this leaves most of these new charges going to Verizon and Comcast. This new charge for basic speed, that is currently free, seems like just another way for ISPs to make more money. The biggest issue with these changes would be the possible effect of division in Internet users. Having to buy your way into the “fast lane” on the Internet would result in a gap between those who can afford to pay the Internet companies and those who cannot. The cost of reaching certain websites will make a larger technological gap between the rich and poor. Education would suffer and small business would not be able to grow as easily if there is not net neutrality. How can we expect to start and further our businesses in order to make a profit, when we will have to pay in order for internet users to even see our website? The FCC is trying to fix something that is not broken, which will then create problems we would otherwise not have with net neutrality.
An interesting aspect of the whole net neutrality debate is the FCC’s chairman, Tom Wheeler. Wheeler is a former lobbyist for wireless and cable companies, and was recently chosen by President Obama to be the FCC’s chairman. Obama has always stated that he is for net neutrality. However, these statements for support on net neutrality have been questioned, since Obama frequently meets with cable company executives for dinner at their houses, and then chooses a lobbyist for wireless and cable companies to be in charge of regulating those same companies’ power. Wheeler uses very broad language in his proposal, like stating that ISP companies are allowed to make deals as long as they are “commercially reasonable”, allowing for many loopholes for these large companies to get through.
Net neutrality in our future is a growing concern. It is our job and right as U.S citizens to wake up and voice our opinion. The FCC will be allowing the public to voice their opinion for a limited time on the website http://www.FCC.com/comments. Taking the three minutes to voice your opinion on an issue that could limit people’s access to information and put more of your money in the pockets of big companies may make all the difference.