FCC Chief to Propose New Rules for How Firms Control Internet Traffic

Network neutrality, a topic that should be important to everyone who uses the Internet on a regular basis. Net neutrality is the idea that internet service providers should keep all legal Internet content freely available. This would obviously be good for consumers, as all network traffic would be treated equally, but service providers are less happy about the idea. Many providers would rather have control over what content has a higher priority than others. Some say they want to have more control to regulate bandwidth across their networks. But with the ability to give higher priority to certain types of Internet content comes the possibility of bribery and payoffs. Some companies have lobbied for a pay-to-play system, where companies would pay ISPs to give their content higher priority on the networks. Companies who couldn't afford to pay would be bumped down to lower speeds, with priority given to those who can pay up.

This isn't the kind of system we have now. Since 2005, the Federal Communications Commission has had four principles that cover net neutrality policy. However, many developers and interest groups have expressed concern that the current policies are too vague, and don't properly cover recent advances in wireless network technology. We have net neutrality, but it could stand to be stronger. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski is expected to propose new rules on Monday that should strengthen the current net neutrality policy.

I'm a strong advocate for free access on the Internet, so my stance on net neutrality is probably obvious. The Internet has seen increasing use as a way for smaller companies to get their names out and grow. The social networking industry, now very large, developed itself from a collection of small websites. Many small businesses use the Internet to communicate and promote their services. Giving out bandwidth priority to those willing to pay would make it difficult for smaller, less wealthy businesses to compete. While that system would be very profitable to ISPs, it would be harmful to the customers they are supposed to serve. In lobbying for an end to net neutrality, ISPs do a disservice to their own customers. The FCC's new net neutrality guidelines should insure that the Internet remains a level playing field for consumers everywhere.

Additional sources:
FCC to propose 'Net neutrality' rules
We can't be neutral on net neutrality