Net Neutrality
background
Net neutrality is a principle that internet service providers (ISPs) — and the regulators that oversee them — treat all internet traffic the same way. The idea is to keep the net free and open, giving users equal access to any website or application. net neutrality would prevent companies that provide internet access from blocking or slowing down traffic to or from specific sites in much the same way as a phone company has to put through your call, regardless of whom you’re calling.
Or check out this two-minute video from Mashable:
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Or this video from former FCC Chair Wheeler
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Under the Obama Administration:
(I'm quoting most of these points, because I want to make sure I'm representing them accurately)
Basically, all a good thing, right?
(Full Obama timeline here; or the full FCC page here. Ironically, the latter is still ON the official FCC site.)
(I'm quoting most of these points, because I want to make sure I'm representing them accurately)
- The FCC voted in favor of Net Neutrality roles. This helped reclassify "Internet service providers as common carriers under Title II of the Telecommunications Act, treating them as public utilities, like phone service. This means they were subject to more regulation."
- "Title II was also used to require greater disclosures about hidden fees and data caps and to force ISPs to get consumer consent before using or sharing Web browsing histories"
- "Title II has also been used to prevent slowdowns of Internet traffic caused by disputes over network interconnection fees, which was a problem for Netflix users before the net neutrality rules were implemented.
Basically, all a good thing, right?
(Full Obama timeline here; or the full FCC page here. Ironically, the latter is still ON the official FCC site.)
Ok, all of this sounds good. why would anyone be against this again?
This is a two-part answer.
These are the objections to net neutrality that pre-date the Trump Administration:
Specific objections to net neutrality under Trump:
(Basically, all of his points are borderline ridiculous, but it's important we know what they're saying, so we can address those points effectively)
These are the objections to net neutrality that pre-date the Trump Administration:
- First, net neutrality has been a point of contention for some ISPs, who want to basically charge money to give providers a faster lane on the internet.
- Companies have also argued that, "certain applications are more sensitive to delays than others — like streaming video and internet phone services — and they say that ISPs should be able to charge more for customers who want to pay a premium for priority service."
- There is also an argument that it's not the place of the government to regulate the internet, and the internet should not be treated as a utility.
Specific objections to net neutrality under Trump:
- New FEC chairman Ajit Pai - a former Verizon lawyer - announced on April 26th that he planned to roll back net neutrality roles, claiming that under Obama's rules:
- Investment in broadband networks declined.
- Plans to deploy new and upgraded broadband infrastructure were shelved.
- Thousands of good-paying jobs were lost due to lower infrastructure investment.
- Americans’ online privacy was weakened because TitleII completely stripped the FTC of its authority over broadband providers’ privacy and data security practices.
(Basically, all of his points are borderline ridiculous, but it's important we know what they're saying, so we can address those points effectively)
Wait, I'm confused. What does the FCC want to do?
In a nutshell, they want to repeal Title II. Chairman Pai has not explained how Net Neutrality would work without Title II.
See the videos above, for the potential impact that this may have on you. But in a nutshell, you'll lose freedom on the internet and companies could theoretically prioritize their content over others.
See the videos above, for the potential impact that this may have on you. But in a nutshell, you'll lose freedom on the internet and companies could theoretically prioritize their content over others.
So what next?
- This isn't a situation where there is a traditional bill or legislation. Thus, the usual process of bill introduced => committee = > House vote, etc. doesn't apply.
- Instead, after the spring's comment period, Chairman Pai wants to introduce measures to roll back Net Neutrality by 12/14.
- The Democrats have already indicated that they will fight this, but haven't necessarily specified how.
So what can I do?
Again, a two-part answer!
1) Contact the FCC and let them know what you think of these changes.
Ajit Pai, Chairman
[email protected]
Ajit Pai, Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Toll-Free Voice:
1-888-CALL FCC (225-5322)
Toll-Free TTY:
1-888-TELL FCC (835-5322)
Toll-Free Fax:
1-888-418-0232
2) Contact both your MoC/Senator, and ask how they plan to address this.
1) Contact the FCC and let them know what you think of these changes.
Ajit Pai, Chairman
[email protected]
Ajit Pai, Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Toll-Free Voice:
1-888-CALL FCC (225-5322)
Toll-Free TTY:
1-888-TELL FCC (835-5322)
Toll-Free Fax:
1-888-418-0232
2) Contact both your MoC/Senator, and ask how they plan to address this.