Net Neutrality: How it affects us?

For the past few days, I’ve seen the alerts about Net Neutrality. Every banner I’ve seen is in all caps alerting the internet surfer that their viewership will change. I didn’t believe it. I thought it was just another minuscule issue that didn’t affect the average, everyday person.


Net neutrality is prevents ISPs from speeding up, slowing down, or blocking any content, blocking applications or blocking websites a consumer wants to use.

To clarify: Internet service providers are required to treat all internet traffic equally.

Apparently it will not only affect how you view the internet, but it will affect how much an ISP consumer will pay. After doing some extensive research, I found that net neutrality is a rule in which internet service providers are restricted from charging extra fees for certain content; in addition, ISPs aren’t allowed to block websites or slow internet speed to specific content. In other words, an ISP can’t slow speeds to content systems (like Netflix) or show favoritism for their own content.

On Tuesday, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced that there will be a vote to totally repeal the Obama Administration rule on network neutrality. Supporters of net neutrality urge that the rule gives an even playing field between content creators and large corporations. Also, it provides an affordable cost to most consumers.

The repeal of net neutrality would dismantle those restrictions on ISPs. Pai says that the repeal will allow to make investments in rural and low income areas.

In all honesty, I don’t believe ISPs aren’t concerned about making investments in these areas but rather earn more profits. It’s sensible. Every business wants to make profit. So far, the average American has shined through the current net neutrality rule. Services like Steam has a chance to host indie creator content without a high cost to ISPs. Companies, large and small, have a fair shot at sharing and selling content.

In the words of Bernie Mac, “This some ol’ bull!”

Even though ISP executives are against the net neutrality rule, they still receive profits each year. They’re not losing money. How does the repeal help small business? The purpose of the repeal is vague. That could mean Pai doesn’t know what he’s talking about or he’s covering up a hidden agenda.

If the vote is passed to repeal net neutrality, I hope the ISPs have the integrity not to overcharge their customers or charge their customers unnecessary fees to access content. We’ll just have to see how the next few days play out.


At the moment, all we can do is make it known to the public officials who represent us in government. Voices are heard. If enough people show protest against the repeal, it could possibly sway the vote to go in the direction that benefits the consumer. This is a democracy after all.

Join the conversation.