The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has regained its authority after having it stripped away only one month ago. So, what does that mean for us? What does that mean for Internet Service Providers (ISPs)? Let’s just say Internet giants Verizon Communications Inc. and Comcast Corp. were quick to criticize the FCC’s intentions. 

The FCC plan will classify the Internet companies as telecommunications carriers, making them subject to most of the same regulations that apply to telephone companies. The FCC will, however, refrain from enforcing extreme regulations such as having to share their networks with their rivals. The new FCC proposal is an attempt to protect consumers against anticompetitive and unreasonable conduct by companies providing broadband service without overwhelming Internet providers with regulations.   It will prohibit unfair pricing, permit consumers to file FCC complaints, and protect the personal information of Internet users.

Network Neutrality is also a new principle being applied by the FCC in its effort to regulate broadband. Net neutrality, as it’s called, is the idea that the Internet should be open to all kinds of data traffic. This would prevent ISPs from discriminating against different kinds of traffic on the network. The FCC wants the Internet to be like roads and highways that are open to everyone. There should be no blocking, hindering, controlling, or discriminating against specific data traffic – even if the traffic uses up a lot of network space. This also means ISPs could not show favor to their own traffic or the traffic of companies that pay for priority. Premium services such as those that might allow a web company to pay for priority on the networks would be eliminated.

Even though Google and Skype support net neutrality, ISPs are not so keen on the idea.   After spending billions of dollars on networks, they feel they should be allowed to manage and regulate data traffic. They want to be able to prevent certain applications from taking up too much network capacity. Some ISPs claim that net neutrality would prevent broadband networks from being built, which in turn would limit available bandwidth and hinder innovation and competition. In addition, if new networks aren’t being built, ISPs would have a hard time recouping their investments. 

No matter which side of the fence you’re on, it is still an issue to not be taken lightly. It is in your best interest as a consumer to be as educated on this debate as possible. In the event that this proposal does pass, we will all see and feel the onset of the change.