So, Net Neutrality has been repealed according to the FCC. This is a sad day for the US interwebs. This may begin the slippery slope of the New ‘Ma Bell’ dispersing its fees and tiered plans across the company.
Now it’s on to Congress to approve or deny the repeal. Considering that the vote within the FCC was along party lines, I wonder how the reps and the senators are going to vote. As an Independent, this is as good of a reason as any to show why this country needs a strong third party. This party lines’ drivel (regardless of party) is garbage.
I just wonder when Comcast (the only broadband internet option in my area) will release their “new and improved” tiered internet offerings to accompany their digital cable one. I wonder will when I go to the IRS for aid, will they still point towards their website for help? If they do, the internet is no longer a luxury, which is what essentially Title I says. The internet in terms of the federal government uses is, in fact, a utility, which is essentially what Title II propounds. Commissioner Pai suggests that Net Neutrality’s repeal will allow innovation in the way the internet is distributed to the country, be it either by satellites or phone lines/fiber means. Does that mean that if a person lives in a rural area, they will have to pay even more for the ability to use the internet than they already do, because, for some internet users, satellite internet is their only option with sub-broadband speeds for sometimes fiber speed prices?
To Commissioners Carr and O’Rielly, either you have your heads in the sand, or you don’t care, because you don’t have to worry about having to pay more for your internet services. Already knew where Pai’s bread was buttered. Thank you to Commissioner Clyburn, and especially Commissioner Rosenworcel for speaking for someone like me specifically, who only has one real option for broadband internet in my area–I’m sure I’m not alone.
A sad day for the US interwebs indeed. I am trying to have hope companies like Comcast, Verizon and the like won’t follow down the same path that they have with Digital Cable, but to be honest there is very little hope that I have. At the end of the day, I truly hope that I am wrong.
