A federal appeals court struck down key net neutrality provisions Tuesday in Verizon v. FCC, opening the floodgates to Internet service providers that seek to create tiers of internet service based on companies? ability to pay.
In an attempt to demystify a term that may seem overly wonky and technical, here’s an open and transparent run-down of net neutrality.
The public interest media advocacy group Free Press defines ?network neutrality? as ?the guiding principle that preserves the free and open Internet. Net Neutrality means that Internet service providers may not discriminate between different kinds of content and applications online.”
First, a brief history: The Federal Communications Division (FCC) committed to defending net neutrality in the 2010 Open Internet order, which included three major provisions for ISPs:
1) Transparency on policies regarding handling of network congestion
2) Prohibitions from blocking traffic on wired networks
3) Non-discrimination against Internet companies? services (ISPs cannot slow the service of the companies that compete with them)
The appeals court only upheld the first provision.
According to Craig Aaron, president and CEO of Free Press, ?the biggest broadband providers will race to turn the open and vibrant Web into something that looks like cable TV. They?ll establish fast lanes for the few giant companies that can afford to pay exorbitant tolls and reserve the slow lanes for everyone else.?
Small businesses would be hurt by ISPs striking a deal with large companies that allows them to deliver content more quickly. This goes for independent media sites as well. Just six companies currently control 90% of the media in the U.S. Once the same companies are allowed to buy out the internet, who will remain?
ISPs can also block traffic to entire types of online traffic, including Netflix. Investigations of ISPs like Comcast blocking video streaming in order to increase their own television providing services have already occurred, and?now the door has been opened to provide consumers with even fewer options for free or cheaper content.
According to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, the FCC ?will consider all available options, including those for appeal, to ensure that these networks on which the Internet depends continue to provide a free and open platform for innovation and expression, and operate in the interest of all Americans.? Stay plugged in for an appeal, open Internet advocates.
Edited/Published by: SB
