Net Neutrality: What You Need To Know

Kamryn Geise, Staff Writer

According to the website “Save the Internet”, “net neutrality, or open Internet, is the principle that Internet service providers (ISPs) should give consumers access to all legal content and applications on an equally dispersed basis, without favoring some sources or blocking others.” It prohibits ISPs from charging content providers for faster delivery of their content on “speedy lanes” and purposely slowing the content from content providers that may compete with ISPs like Verizon and AT&T.

An ISP is a company that provides you with access to the internet, like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast. Content providers include companies like Netflix and Hulu that create and/or share episodes of programs and shows. Sometimes an ISP is also, a content provider. USA Today reports that, “More than two-dozen broadband companies, including AT&T, Comcast, Cox and Verizon, voiced concerns that the new rules are too heavy-handed and could stifle investment.”

Net neutrality is intended to stop companies that offer internet service from offering preferred treatment to certain content over their services. The rules prevent, for instance, AT&T from charging a fee to companies that want to stream good quality videos to people.

Without the Net Neutrality rules, companies like AT&T and Verizon will be able to call all the shots and decide which websites, content and applications pass. These companies can now slow down their competitors’ content or block political opinions they disagree with. They can charge extra fees to the few content companies that can afford to pay for preferred treatment: lowering everyone else to a slower tier of service. The consequences will be particularly sad for big community’s media outlets failed to serve their purpose.

Works Cited:
Press, Free. “Net Neutrality: What You Need to Know Now.” Free Press, www.savetheinternet.com/net-neutrality-what-you-need-know-now.
Snider, Mike, et al. “What Is Net Neutrality and What Does It Mean for Me?” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 27 Feb. 2015, www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/02/24/net-neutrality-what-is-it-guide/23237737/.