Net Neutrality: what is it and why should you care?

What is Net Neutrality?

To put it simply, Net neutrality is what allows you as a user to use the internet however you see fit.  Your internet service provider or ISP may be Version or Optimum etc., gives you acces to the internet and is held to give out the same amount of bandwidth, data through which websites are accessed, regardless of the site under net nuetrality.  If net nuetrality is taken away then ISPs will have the ability to decided who get more or less bandwidth to their sites. How the ISPs decide how to divvy up this bandwidth is left up to them and in doing so makes them de-facto regulators of the internet.

Why should I care?

The internet as it exists now is a free and open space where any group or individual with access has the ability to create a platform upon which information ideas and images can be shared and spread throughout the world instantly. The removal of Net Neutrality will change all of that by making the internet an unlevel playing field.  If ISPs are given the ability to decide how bandwidth is spread out between different websites. The first problem would come for the big websites like Facebook or Netflix who have the money to pay out.  This in and of itself shouldn't be allowed to happen but the bigger problem comes to the sites who can't pay out.  Smaller or up and coming websites who don't have the funds to pay off the ISPs and thus their websites will be less usable or they will have to make dumbed down interfaces that will in effect move the internet backward in it's evolution.

Who is fighting against net neutrality?

The simple answer is the republican party.  Generally Democrats are for net neutrality and Republicans are for it's repeal. Their reasoning stems from a belief that it would be good for business.  However, the individual who deserves the most focus in the battle is Ajit Pai. Ajit Pai is the current head of the FCC and is strongly opposed to Net Neutrality and repeated called for its repeal. His position of power over the issue is  a serious call for concern for the future of the open internet

So what can be done?

The answer may not be something new or something you haven't heard, and more likely than not, ignored but it is effective. The best way we can fight for the future of net neutrality is to contact our representatives in congress and the senate.  The best way for our voices to be heard is to speak to those who can affect change.  One phone call is not going to change anything but with a large and organized effort to make our oppinions known real change can be affected.  Let your representative that you support a free and open internet and that they should do the same.  if you are having trouble finding people one of the best ways to reach them is through the very thing you are trying to protect, the internet.

Sources:
https://www.velocitybroadband.co.zw/fact-friday-the-history-of-the-internet/
https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/7/15215316/fcc-ajit-pai-net-neutrality-title-ii-plans-roll-back
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdIaNUarhzLSXGoItz7BHVA