Net neutrality

Net neutrality is a concept based on the belief that all internet users can access the same content over the internet at the same speeds. Under net neutrality the power of internet service providers is limited as they are required to offer the same content to everyone in the same speeds without manipulating any part of the process. While people do have access to relatively the same content and at the same speed, access to the internet has never been the same for all users as companies like Verizon have higher speeds when accessing data on the internet. While these differences do exist, they do not have a significant impact on how everyone else accesses content on the internet because the speed and content is relatively the same. Net neutrality keeps the internet free and accessible to everyone as its policies makes internet service provider accountable for the kind of service they offer. Net neutrality should therefore be maintained as scraping it would create a situation where not everyone can access the internet, varying internet speeds and the cost of surfing the web would most likely go up.

One major reason why net neutrality should be maintained is that it creates a level playing field for all internet users. If net neutrality was repealed, it would give internet service providers the power to dictate terms on who can access the internet; at what cost; and at what speeds (Shah. 2018). The internet providers would be able to deny some services as well as prevent customers from accessing specific websites if they choose to. Since they control the content, those with money will be at an advantage as they will be able to access all the services at a cost (Shah, 2018). Control and use of the internet would be transferred from everyone to the corporations as they will have the means as well as the power to meet the terms set by internet service providers to access the internet.

Repealing net neutrality would also in higher charges to access the internet. Through net neutrality, all traffic is treated equally and no special treatment is given regardless of the purpose the internet is used for. This also ensures that internet providers cannot overcharge the services since they are offered at the same price to all users (O’Sullivan, 2018). If net neutrality was removed, the internet service providers would be able to request extra charges for people or corporations seeking access to faster internet lanes. Some people would be unable or unwilling to use the internet as the speeds would be too slow for those not able or willing to pay the high cost set up for faster internet access (O’Sullivan, 2018). It is therefore important that net neutrality be maintained as it would ensure that the content and speeds accessible on the internet remain the same without discriminating or giving special services to those that have no problem meeting the high costs that would otherwise be set up.

Another reason in support of net neutrality is the impact that its abolition would have on business startups. In an era where most information is accessed through the internet, businesses need to have access to the web as it is the best way to reach customers as well as share information regarding their products and services (Barret, 2017). Without net neutrality, large corporations will be able to keep business startups out of the market by controlling the type of access available. Since large corporations have high access to capital, they can easily access high internet lanes and pay to have the must applicable and relevant websites. Internet service providers are likely to increase the cost needed to access fast internet speeds and such services will thus be reserved for those with enough money to purchase them (O’Sullivan, 2018). Business startups will therefore find it difficult to access these services as they lack the purchasing power to meet the cost. Unable to reach customers as well as keep up with business trends, business startups will find it difficult to compete in the market and eventually fall and this could have a negative impact on the economy.

Net neutrality allows people to exercise their freedom of speech as well as create a platform to expose corrupt individuals and organizations. People can therefore use it to share information about corrupt politicians, report organizations with bad customer service, report ills in the community among other reasons. The information discussed remains on the websites and anyone seeking information about a specific person, company, product community or any other purpose will have all information discussed on the same (Chandler, 2017). If repealed, companies will be able to block certain websites, articles and videos that may contain harmful information about the organizations and prevent it from reaching the public. Internet service providers will be able to block out sites with different viewpoints from their major customers as a way of protecting their image. Businesses will also be able to control the type of information that is available online and in so doing, get rid of any negative feedback or customer experience that is used to caution other potential customers from seeking out the products and services of specific corporations (Chandler, 2017). People will no longer have access to unbiased information as the corporations will be able to control the type of information that exists in the web. With no law to govern over how companies react to issues related to freedom of speech on the web, companies and internet service providers will be in a position to use the internet to their advantage as they can freely block websites that they do not find pleasing.

An argument can be made in support of repealing net neutrality in reference to the effect it has on project developments. In an attempt to prevent overcharging, net neutrality requires internet service providers to treat all traffic equally. Everyone accessing the internet is given the same platform, the same websites and at similar traffics to ensure that everyone gets the same experience when surfing the web. While the control measure does give everyone equal access to the internet, it greatly challenges the development of projects that must incorporate network slicing when being developed (Ruffin, 2017). Some of these projects may require faster internet access but are unable to because they have to rely on the same speeds allocated to all other internet users. While this may be the case, ending net neutrality may not necessarily be a solution because the internet service providers will have control over the type of access granted; and at what cost. As gatekeepers, the internet providers may decide to make access to services needed to develop IoT technologies more expensive and difficult to obtain (Most, 2017). Simple developments like implementing smart street lighting may end up costing even more because the providers will determine the cost of implementing such projects. Instead of remedying the situation, repealing net neutrality will make the implementation of such projects even more difficult and expensive.

Net neutrality is an integral part of how people access information and conduct research. It is the neutral nature of the internet that prevents bias and discrimination as the service is provided fairly and anyone who wishes to access the internet does not have to meet any extra conditions regardless of background or financial capability. While some corporations do enjoy faster access to the internet, their number and type of speed is of less significance and majority of internet users enjoy the service on a neutral basis. Instead of repealing net neutrality, the government and internet service providers need to invest in ways to make access better for everyone such that it does not hinder or slow down the development of various projects. Instead of focusing on how net speeds can be regulated to meet up the requirements of a specific project, the goal should be to make the internet fast enough to accommodate such projects and any other needs that may require access to the internet. Doing so will greatly encourage innovation as everyone will be able to access the internet at fast speeds and have access to website suitable for accomplishing their projects. Instead of repealing net neutrality and giving power to corporations and internet service providers, net neutrality should be maintained and even improved to ensure that information from the web is accessed and utilized with the most ease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Barret B, (2017) “Fight: The wired guide to net neutrality” Wired,  retrieved fromhttps://www.wired.com/story/net-neutrality-fight-wired-guide/

Chandler D, (2017) “What is net neutrality and why is it important?” Consumer Affairs,  retrieved from, https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/what-is-net-neutrality-and-why-is-it-important-110117.html

Most B, (2017), “Three reasons why you should care about net neutrality” Odyssey,  retrieved from,  https://www.theodysseyonline.com/3-reasons-care-net-neutrality

O’Sullinvan F, (2018) “What is net neutrality and why is it important?” Cloudwards,  retrieved from,  https://www.cloudwards.net/net-neutrality/

Ruffin M, (2017) “The importance of net neutrality” Odyssey,  retrieved from,  https://www.theodysseyonline.com/the-importance-net-neutrality

Shah A, (2018) “Arguments for and against net neutrality” Mechanical Engineering Magazine