Net neutrality
By Claire Dickinson, Editor
In January of 2014, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided to let go of old internet rules and determine a new set of regulations for the internet. Since then, the debate has stood between broadband companies and the rest of America whether the web should have a “fast lane,” which would in turn enable a “slow lane” to be formed. In the slow lane, smaller companies would not receive the recognition or opportunity to be seen. On Thursday, February 26, the FCC made a final vote coming down to a 3-2 decision that the internet would be “Neutral.” This year-long struggle for Net Neutrality has finally come to a resolution.
Net Neutrality is the principle that Internet service providers (ISPs) enable access to all content and applications to viewers. ISPs must treat all data equally, not discriminating against, blocking, or favoring content. This helps small businesses broaden their companies. Without Net Neutrality, Google may not have had the chance to become the multibillion dollar company it is today. Even President Barack Obama stated, “We cannot allow Internet service providers to restrict the best access or to pick winners and losers in the online marketplace for services and ideas.”
Many small businesses rely on the open Internet to launch their brand, create a market, distribute products, and advertise. Without the freedom to showcase their goods and reach new customers, small businesses may never have the fair chance to succeed. Net Neutrality leads to job growth, competition, and innovation.
Content providers such as Apple and Google support Net Neutrality, claiming that all consumers “deserve to get a quality experience” on the Internet. Not only Google and Apple, but four million people also filed public comments and complaints to the FCC about the ruling. Most of these commenters were average people who felt they deserve the right to see the content they desire. Sites such as freepress.net and battleforthenet.com are examples of organizations that stood for keeping the Internet open. Site visitors could share their ideas with the organizations and see the latest news in the rulings.
After a long process in the fight for Internet freedom, February 26 brought cheers from consumers, small businesses, viewers, and site-owners everywhere.
In January of 2014, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided to let go of old internet rules and determine a new set of regulations for the internet. Since then, the debate has stood between broadband companies and the rest of America whether the web should have a “fast lane,” which would in turn enable a “slow lane” to be formed. In the slow lane, smaller companies would not receive the recognition or opportunity to be seen. On Thursday, February 26, the FCC made a final vote coming down to a 3-2 decision that the internet would be “Neutral.” This year-long struggle for Net Neutrality has finally come to a resolution.
Net Neutrality is the principle that Internet service providers (ISPs) enable access to all content and applications to viewers. ISPs must treat all data equally, not discriminating against, blocking, or favoring content. This helps small businesses broaden their companies. Without Net Neutrality, Google may not have had the chance to become the multibillion dollar company it is today. Even President Barack Obama stated, “We cannot allow Internet service providers to restrict the best access or to pick winners and losers in the online marketplace for services and ideas.”
Many small businesses rely on the open Internet to launch their brand, create a market, distribute products, and advertise. Without the freedom to showcase their goods and reach new customers, small businesses may never have the fair chance to succeed. Net Neutrality leads to job growth, competition, and innovation.
Content providers such as Apple and Google support Net Neutrality, claiming that all consumers “deserve to get a quality experience” on the Internet. Not only Google and Apple, but four million people also filed public comments and complaints to the FCC about the ruling. Most of these commenters were average people who felt they deserve the right to see the content they desire. Sites such as freepress.net and battleforthenet.com are examples of organizations that stood for keeping the Internet open. Site visitors could share their ideas with the organizations and see the latest news in the rulings.
After a long process in the fight for Internet freedom, February 26 brought cheers from consumers, small businesses, viewers, and site-owners everywhere.