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-Paper Dragon
On February 26, the five members of the FCC (the Federal Communications Commission) will vote on internet neutrality. This net neutrality debate has been going on for more than a decade, since the internet has become a large part of people's lives.
But what exactly is net neutrality?
Imagine this: or maybe you don't have to, because you're doing this right now. You try to go to your favorite website, but it is blocked unless you pay a fee. In essence, this is what the net neutrality debate is all about. Net Neutrality is the principle that says broadband internet service providers (ISPs) like Comcast and Verizon, should treat all internet traffic the same way. In other words, the same quality of internet should be available to everyone.
However, ISPs want large companies like Netflix, Facebook and Youtube to pay them for "fast lanes", which means better faster access since these sites are so popular. Makes sense, right? However, smaller websites, like this blog you are on right now, would have very slow internet connection and may even be blocked. Plus, educators are worried about many educational sites being blocked to make way only for entertainment sites because the sites can pay.
In 2010, the FCC decided that the ISPS could give more service to larger sites, but they would be monitored. Then in April 2014, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler decided to settle the debate once and for all, despite Verizon's attempt to sue the FCC for taking away the ISP's authority. Wheeler's proposal will be that ISPs will have to give equal internet service to everyone. Although, experts say that ISPs will challenge the proposal and perhaps take it to court.
Click here for a video explaining net neutrality.
Resources: billmoyers.com, arstechnica.com, washingtonexaminer.com, gizmondo.com, DOGOnews.com
On February 26, the five members of the FCC (the Federal Communications Commission) will vote on internet neutrality. This net neutrality debate has been going on for more than a decade, since the internet has become a large part of people's lives.
But what exactly is net neutrality?
Imagine this: or maybe you don't have to, because you're doing this right now. You try to go to your favorite website, but it is blocked unless you pay a fee. In essence, this is what the net neutrality debate is all about. Net Neutrality is the principle that says broadband internet service providers (ISPs) like Comcast and Verizon, should treat all internet traffic the same way. In other words, the same quality of internet should be available to everyone.
However, ISPs want large companies like Netflix, Facebook and Youtube to pay them for "fast lanes", which means better faster access since these sites are so popular. Makes sense, right? However, smaller websites, like this blog you are on right now, would have very slow internet connection and may even be blocked. Plus, educators are worried about many educational sites being blocked to make way only for entertainment sites because the sites can pay.
In 2010, the FCC decided that the ISPS could give more service to larger sites, but they would be monitored. Then in April 2014, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler decided to settle the debate once and for all, despite Verizon's attempt to sue the FCC for taking away the ISP's authority. Wheeler's proposal will be that ISPs will have to give equal internet service to everyone. Although, experts say that ISPs will challenge the proposal and perhaps take it to court.
Click here for a video explaining net neutrality.
Resources: billmoyers.com, arstechnica.com, washingtonexaminer.com, gizmondo.com, DOGOnews.com