Last week, I shared a concern of mine and many in the computer repair and/or IT service industry. So today, that concern came true. Breaking: They repealed net neutrality.
Literally just hours ago, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) voted 3-2 to repeal net neutrality. I should also tell you the vote was among party lines. So who led the charge to get rid of net neutrality? We can thank (I mean that sarcastically) FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. His proposal got this ball in motion. Then we can thank mega corporations like Comcast for backing this ruling. They are probably the only winners in this round.
Yes, many in the public fought to keep net neutrality alive. But so did many Democrats in Washington. Furthermore, many in Hollywood didn’t want the ruling we’re getting today. If that isn’t enough, then keep in mind many in Silicon Valley don’t want this. Companies like Facebook and Google/Alphabet screamed to keep Obama’s 2015 Internet rules in place. Even after the ruling, many on both sides have plenty to say. For example, FCC official and Democrat?Mignon Clyburn says Republicans pretty much handed the Internet to a few mega corporations. However, Pai sees things a lot different. He says Obama’s rules slowed competition and this will free up service providers.
But do you know how hard it is to start an ISP today? It’s not hard; it’s nearly impossible. I don’t want to make this is political thing. But I agree with Clyburn on this one. I fear if you let the cats away, then the rats will play. Many also fear now there is nothing stopping the big boys from charging whatever they want to whoever they want. I also worry there is nothing stopping the big boys from censoring whatever they want. Some say consumers won’t see any changes…yet. However, I know some of my readers support this decision. I want to hear from you. Breaking: They repealed net neutrality. How is going to benefit us?