I’m not into the whole fortune telling thing, but you don’t need a crystal ball for this. Our online freedoms and equality are at stake. A couple of upcoming decisions have me, my computer repair colleagues, and others nervous. The Internet’s future; I doubt it’s good.
So let’s look at the plot to kill net neutrality. If this dies, then you can kiss Internet free market and competitive pricing goodbye. Also, consider Internet big boys like Comcast and AT&T. Think of how much money and effort they spent trying to kill net neutrality. This alone should be an omen to us all. Furthermore, we in America already pay more for less, compared to most countries. Imagine what it will be if net neutrality dies. Remember, when the cats are away the rats will play.
So this isn’t my only worry for the Internet’s future. They want to kill The Lifeline Program as well. This helps provide Internet access to low income households around the country. In the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan started this program. Because even back then, he knew how critical communication technology was. And how much more critical is it three decades later? However, even with The Lifeline Program, low-income consumers get less access than their middle class and wealthy counterparts. So can you imagine what it would be if they took The Lifeline Program out?
It’s scary enough every time I read the news, there’s another merger or major buyout. It concerns me that if these two programs go, then so will online freedoms. Now some will say, “Don’t worry. The ISP’s will do the right thing”. I’m not so sure. There’s a reason Comcast and AT&T are so big: they make money by any means necessary! Sure; it’s great capitalism. But corporations are not people!? Do you think they care about a level playing field or making sure everybody gets Internet access? The IT service and ISP industry is as dog eat dog as they come. These big boys aren’t dogs; they’re werewolves! Am I being too harsh or paranoid here?