FCC Net Neutrality Proposal Classifies Internet As A Public Utility
NPR is reporting on today's net neutrality vote by the FCC. As noted, "Tom Wheeler, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, has outlined his vision of the Internet, saying his agency should use its authority 'to implement and enforce open Internet protections.' Wheeler's plan would pave the way toward regulating the Internet as a public utility, an idea backed by President Obama but strongly opposed by some cable companies and their lobbying firms that say it will hurt investment."
The NYTimes has a great video discussing net neutrality and why it matters. David Carr (RIP) discusses what's at stake. So far we've been able to get information freely and openly, which makes the Internet the epitome of democracy. Even the smallest voice can be picked up and heard on the Internet.
However, if net neutrality is not regulated, then the strong voices with the most money to pay for fast delivery will reach our screens first, and the small voices will be lost in the mix. The small voices may eventually reach us, but we'll have to dig pretty deep to find them, which most people will not do.
I don't know about you, but I don't like this kind of gatekeeping based on who has the deepest pockets. It will change the entire way that information flows and is received.
As NPR notes, "Net neutrality is the concept that your Internet provider should be a neutral gateway to everything on the Internet, not a gatekeeper deciding to load some sites slower than others or impose fees for faster service."
The NYTimes has a great video discussing net neutrality and why it matters. David Carr (RIP) discusses what's at stake. So far we've been able to get information freely and openly, which makes the Internet the epitome of democracy. Even the smallest voice can be picked up and heard on the Internet.
However, if net neutrality is not regulated, then the strong voices with the most money to pay for fast delivery will reach our screens first, and the small voices will be lost in the mix. The small voices may eventually reach us, but we'll have to dig pretty deep to find them, which most people will not do.
I don't know about you, but I don't like this kind of gatekeeping based on who has the deepest pockets. It will change the entire way that information flows and is received.
As NPR notes, "Net neutrality is the concept that your Internet provider should be a neutral gateway to everything on the Internet, not a gatekeeper deciding to load some sites slower than others or impose fees for faster service."
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