Why People Are for and Against Net Neutrality

Last week we discussed the troubled history of net neutrality. For years, the government has debated whether its guiding principles should be put into place. However, why is there such contention? Why are lawmakers so divided on this issue? Here are the reasons why people are for and against net neutrality.

The Champions of Net Neutrality

There are a lot of motives to back the net neutrality. It’s equal internet access for all. This idea is built around the notion that the internet is a necessary tool for everyone. People need it to communicate and send information in the modern age. The laws created in 2015 are meant to protect the concept.

The biggest reason people fight for it is because they are afraid of what kind of world an unregulated internet leaves. Without regulations, companies are able to selectively put people in what is called the “Fast Lane.” Essentially, those who can pay more receive better service. Those who don’t can potentially have their access or services slow down.

Some even fear that websites and services may be slowed down by internet service providers (ISP’s) based on another companies’ interest. That is why big name companies like Amazon and Microsoft are in favor of net neutrality and its regulations.

The Opposition Against Net Neutrality

Why would anyone be against net neutrality? Well, there are always two sides to any story. And if you are going to argue for one, it is imperative to know the other. There are big names on the opposition of net neutrality as well. That includes AT&T and Comcast, the very companies that provide internet access.

They argue that not all internet traffic is equal, and some need to be prioritized over others. Some content, like a video, takes up a lot of bandwidth. Some expert computer scientists, like Harsha Madhyastha, argue that slightly slowing down other data might be necessary to allow content like video to play at an optimal level.

Net neutrality could also threaten the idea of competition. ISP’s believe that some content providers who use a lot of bandwidth should pay for a “fast lane.” That way, customers can choose which service they wish to get their access to the internet from, especially if the content they want is more accessible there.

As the trump administration forms within the government, we will begin to see what shape the internet will take. Until then, what side are you on?