Why You Should Care About Net Neutrality

Your internet service might be about to change. On December 14th, a vote to repeal Net Neutrality rules hangs in the balance and if FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has his way, passing the repeal could change the way we use the internet.

Current Net Neutrality regulations prevent big communications companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast from blocking the websites users have access to, or slowing down internet speeds so that other websites that pay to be on their plan work faster.

In short, your internet provider will have a say in what you can and cannot do with the internet you’re paying for. Internet providers would also have reign to package up your internet like a cable bill. You could see bundling packages for websites you frequent, charging premium fees for your news or social media outlets, or slower streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon.

In cities where the internet is competitive, consumers who are not happy with their current provider can pack up and go elsewhere. But, based on data from the FCC, 129 million Americans only have one option for internet service in their area. That’s 40% of the entire country. No competition means that consumers are stuck with whatever their provider decides is worthy.

It’s not too late to share your voice on the Net Neutrality decision, call your representatives, or tell the FCC to save the net.