"Net Neutrality" Means...

Tuesday the FCC approved “Net Neutrality”. It is suppose to guarantee internet access for all consumers. I read Wall Street Journal’s “Internet Gets New Rules of the Road” by Amy Schatz and Shayndi Raice and “Most of the Internet Grumbles about FCC Net Neutrality Rules” by Jennifer Valentino-Devries to get a better understanding of the meaning of the passage.

For consumers, internet providers “can't block legal content from websites, or ’unreasonably discriminate’ against companies like Skype or Netflix that want to use broadband networks to provide video or voice services” (Schatz and Raice). Although, Schatz and Raice’s article mentioned providers attempting to create a pay tier system for internet usage. “Net Neutrality” creates more transparency about such pricing. In fact, providers have to provide more detailed information about all pricing.

For internet providers, they have been given the right to manage web congestion. Meaning that the loophole to providing service is if disruptions are part of “managing” congestion. The providers were also given permission to create a pay tier system.

I read two articles in order to gauge reactions. The positive aspect is that “Net Neutrality” is a step towards universal internet access. For providers, it isn’t too regulatory and for wireless providers it provided no regulation. This leads to the reason some people are angry. “Net Neutrality” has loopholes. It isn’t clear to consumers or internet/wire less providers which side has the advantage. Consumer groups see “management of congestion” as a loophole to allow the industry to prevent access. They also wanted clear rules on the possible pay tier system. 

The industry is worried that “Net Neutrality” is a sliding slope to more regulation or has hidden regulation not clearly spelled out. I was left not knowing how to feel about the passing. Allowing access to consumers and, on the other hand, regulatory-less “management of congestion” to providers is very confusing as both clash with each other. I will have to read more and keep up on reports to understand if this clash is inevitable or if the FCC took the time to write details within the regulation to prevent it.