Net neutrality repeal raises web-access questions
Net neutrality. This term has exploded across social media platforms in the past few weeks, but remained in the shadows to most internet users before Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Ajit Pai’s proposal to repeal it on Nov. 21. However, the debate over whether its effects on the internet are beneficial or not has been going on for more than a decade.
Net neutrality is the principle that requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) such as Comcast and Verizon to treat all data on the internet equally, regardless of platform, media type, etc. This principle allows internet users to access anything on the web without extra charges, and stops ISPs from slowing down or blocking sites that compete with their own services.
The current net neutrality laws were put in place under the Obama administration in 2015. With the shift to the Trump administration, the FCC has officially announced its repeal on Dec 14. Still, net neutrality doesn’t seem to be a partisan issue. According to a poll by the University of Maryland, about 83 percent of Americans disapprove of the FCC’s decision, including 3 out of 4 Republicans.
Adam Pizzi, a WHS history teacher and instructional technology specialist, said the internet is not currently class-based; it offers equal opportunity to access information. However, repealing net neutrality will potentially allow “fast lanes” for wealthier people. Instead of the one-speed internet that is currently available, ISPs will offer packages of varying speeds and prices.
While some companies could benefit from the repeal of net neutrality, many other corporations and individuals will likely suffer from this potential change.
“Net neutrality is critical for freedom of speech, creativity and innovation for creators of all kinds to get their work seen and distributed across the internet,” said Ms. Courtney Horwitz, Vimeo’s director of brand marketing.
Vimeo is an online site for creators large and small to upload and share their work. Horwitz said Vimeo benefits from net neutrality, as a platform that encourages equal opportunity for creators. This, she said, will now change.
“The cable companies and ISP’s will be able to block certain things and curate what they want to be seen,” said Horwitz. “It would create a hierarchy of what is important to them versus what is important to everyone.”
Pai, who led the repeal, said in a statement to the rest of the FCC: “We are helping consumers and promoting competition. Broadband providers will have stronger incentives to build networks, especially in unserved areas, and to upgrade networks to gigabit speeds and 5G.”
Since most students rely on the internet, they are also affected by changes that may occur.
“Without net neutrality, ISPs will be able to charge smaller sites and online businesses, despite their inability to pay, to be put on that network’s ‘fast-track package,’ ” said senior Noah Plotkin. Senior Maggie McDonald agrees, saying, “The companies should not have that power.”
The current net neutrality laws were put in place under the Obama administration in 2015. With the shift to the Trump administration, the FCC has officially announced its repeal on Dec 14. Still, net neutrality doesn’t seem to be a partisan issue. According to a poll by the University of Maryland, about 83 percent of Americans disapprove of the FCC’s decision, including 3 out of 4 Republicans.
Adam Pizzi, a WHS history teacher and instructional technology specialist, said the internet is not currently class-based; it offers equal opportunity to access information. However, repealing net neutrality will potentially allow “fast lanes” for wealthier people. Instead of the one-speed internet that is currently available, ISPs will offer packages of varying speeds and prices.
While some companies could benefit from the repeal of net neutrality, many other corporations and individuals will likely suffer from this potential change.
“Net neutrality is critical for freedom of speech, creativity and innovation for creators of all kinds to get their work seen and distributed across the internet,” said Ms. Courtney Horwitz, Vimeo’s director of brand marketing.
Vimeo is an online site for creators large and small to upload and share their work. Horwitz said Vimeo benefits from net neutrality, as a platform that encourages equal opportunity for creators. This, she said, will now change.
“The cable companies and ISP’s will be able to block certain things and curate what they want to be seen,” said Horwitz. “It would create a hierarchy of what is important to them versus what is important to everyone.”
Pai, who led the repeal, said in a statement to the rest of the FCC: “We are helping consumers and promoting competition. Broadband providers will have stronger incentives to build networks, especially in unserved areas, and to upgrade networks to gigabit speeds and 5G.”
Since most students rely on the internet, they are also affected by changes that may occur.
“Without net neutrality, ISPs will be able to charge smaller sites and online businesses, despite their inability to pay, to be put on that network’s ‘fast-track package,’ ” said senior Noah Plotkin. Senior Maggie McDonald agrees, saying, “The companies should not have that power.”
