Net neutrality has been a hot topic in the news recently.  The FCC has proposed sweeping changes to the way the internet is regulated, and this could have broad implications for consumers.

What is Net Neutrality?

Net neutrality is the notion that Internet service providers must treat all traffic across their network in the same manner. Under the old FCC rules, providers such as Comcast and Verizon could not block or discriminate against their competitors’ websites or services. Traffic from website like Netflix and Amazon would be treated the same as any other website.  However, this could all change if the FCC’s new rules are implemented.

What is the FCC’s New Plan?

Under the proposed rule, ISPs would be prohibited from blocking content, but could now require content providers to pay larger fees for faster delivery of their content. ISPs are generally unhappy with net neutrality; some websites like Netflix require more bandwidth, and their argument is that these companies should have to pay more because their content is more expensive to deliver.

What Does This Mean For Consumers?

Consumer advocates are concerned that the new rules would lead to the creation of “fast lanes” for those companies willing to pay the higher fees sought by ISPs while the rest will be limited to slow lanes.  This would potentially leave startups and others behind, which would likely harm competition.  On the other hand, ISPs argue that this is beneficial to consumers because it will allow them to provide the content consumers most desire at faster speeds than was previously allowed.  But the risk is that all traffic could be slowed, and only those companies that pay for faster speed would see their content so provided.  The FCC is soliciting public comments until September 10th, 2014 on its proposed rule change. 

This will be an interesting story to watch as it develops.  What do you think, is the end of net neutrality a good thing for consumers or not? Feel free to share your comments on our Facebook page, or visit the FCC and comment therehttp://www.fcc.gov/comments.

For more information on this story, see this article in the Chicago Tribune http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-rt-us-usa-internet-neutrality-factbox-20140615,0,6438695.story