By Vicki Colbert |Staff Writer|
Imagine having to call and ask your mobile service provider every time you wanted to use your Facebook application on your smart phone. This would drive the average smart phone user insane if it were not for a net neutrality bill.
Pres. Barack Obama helped passed a bill establishing net neutrality which will start Nov. 20 of this year. Although this seems like a minor success for Obama, his administration and the Federal Communications Commission, this is actually a long-term accomplishment and advantage for all Internet users.
Many people have struggled with this new term “net neutrality” and have little knowledge of its actual meaning. Hardly any CSUSB students knew what the net neutrality bill is. But I bet they would find out if they’re Internet service provider refused them access for researching, watching videos and especially social media web sites.
Net neutrality, also known as Internet neutrality or network neutrality, is open Internet traffic among all Internet service providers (ISP). To be more specific, “Net neutrality advocates no restrictions by Internet service providers (ISPs) and governments on content, sites, platforms, the kinds of equipment that may be attached, and the modes of communication,” according to the International Business Times.
Internet service providers favor regulation of Internet traffic and access because it essentially eliminates competition of other leading Internet service providers.
But who are they really looking out for, the consumers or themselves?
Internet has been and should always remain an open forum for information and entertainment.
“With net neutrality, the network’s only job is to move data –– not to pick and choose which data to privilege with better service,” stated by the Free Press, a non-profit media organization.
Furthermore, Internet service providers, especially ones in conjunction with mobile service providers, should not block any data or Internet connection because consumers pay on average two hundred or more dollars for these smart phones along with a data plan. The basis for even having a smart phone is mainly to access the Internet.
Even more so, wireless and ethernet Internet is not cheap. I can’t imagine hard working, well deserving consumers paying for Internet access that is partially accessible. That’s a rip off.
Competition is healthy but greed is pushing the limits of the American consumer. Without the net neutrality laws that will be implemented later this month, corporations would have continued to practice the worst kinds of capitalism.
Despite continuing efforts from the Republicans and Internet broadband corporations, thank God for Obama and the FCC. The Internet shall remain neutral for everyone
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