On Feb. 26, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the policy commonly known as \u201cNet Neutrality.\u201d This measure changes the way in which internet service providers (ISPs) can regulate the Internet traffic that passes through their connections to their customers. With Net Neutrality, ISPs are carriers under Title II of the Telecommunications Act, which regulates these services just as if they were public utilities.<\/p>\n
This Open Internet Order helps resolve the issue about how the Internet operates. ISPs must be a neutral gateway. Instead of prioritizing broadband traffic based on cost, the internet will remain a level playing field for small and large business alike.<\/p>\n
The threat of charging more for a web traffic \u201cfast-lane\u201d to Internet content providers like Netflix and YouTube would result in increasing costs for users, as the costs are passed along to customers. Small business websites would have no chance in competing with national chains and their deep pockets. For many, the Open Internet sounds like a good idea.<\/p>\n
But there are those who have their reservations about Net Neutrality. With FCC involvement, some say that government regulation is being forced on a non-existent problem.<\/p>\n
However, Comcast had already started putting the screws to Netflix in one of its many unsavory business practices of late. So the threat did exist.<\/p>\n
Others say that with government involvement, there will be privacy concerns and the potential for censorship. My opinion is that privacy is dead, and if you still have those expectations, I\u2019m afraid all that went away a while ago. If you’re online, you’re exposed.<\/p>\n
Mark Cuban has been vocal about the new policy. But he makes valid arguments regarding the transmission of television content. These days, the signal for cable and Internet travels over the same lines. With Net Neutrality in place for unprioritized Internet traffic, the same argument could apply for cable television content. Currently, networks have to pay cable companies to play their content. A neutral network would negate that pay-to-play arrangement.<\/p>\n
It all boils down to data on a wire; where do you draw the line? Cuban also argues that the pending litigation will stifle innovation. But that\u2019s a hypothetical outcome from a billionaire\u2019s perspective.<\/p>\n
Now for my opinion: I think Net Neutrality is a good thing. The floodgates had begun to slowly swing open with Comcast. And while other ISPs hadn\u2019t joined in, they were ready to go.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve seen speeds for broadband internet service increase, but prices have increased as well, and unlimited bandwidth is a thing of the past. We’re charged for the data we consume. ISPs are making money from every possible avenue and charging for \u201ctoll-road\u201d speeds to content providers was next.<\/p>\n
As a small businessman, having my website load at the same speeds as the \u201cbig guys\u201d is good.<\/p>\n
Regarding privacy concerns, I\u2019m realistic in my expectations. If I put it online, it\u2019s not mine anymore. Whether the government actually admits to monitoring everyone, I assume it does. It\u2019s safer for me that way.<\/p>\n
I do think Cuban\u2019s question regarding the blurred line between cable and Internet traffic is valid. But the consequences he anticipates, while possible, sound biased.<\/p>\n
Like it or not, Net Neutrality is here. For most, this new Open Internet won\u2019t amount to any noticeable changes. But understand that there will be big changes, and we\u2019ll all just have to wait and see what this \u201cfreedom\u201d affords us.<\/p>\n
Email vic@bayoutechnologies.com<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" On Feb. 26, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the policy commonly known as \u201cNet Neutrality.\u201d This measure changes the way in which internet service providers (ISPs) can regulate the Internet traffic that passes through their connections to their customers. With Net Neutrality, ISPs are carriers under Title II of the Telecommunications Act, which regulates [&hellip<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":301,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[36,66],"yoast_head":"\n