May 15, 2014
What’s Next for Net Neutrality?
Introduction
Protesters in support of net neutrality outside of the Federal Communications Commission in Washington.
Karen Bleier/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission voted to propose a set of rules aimed at regulating Internet providers. A controversial measure would allow companies like Netflix to pay for a guaranteed fast lane of service. But many proponents of net neutrality (a lack of preferential treatment for content providers) want to reclassify high-speed Internet as a service strictly regulated by the agency.
What should we expect from the F.C.C., and what does the future hold for network neutrality?
Read the Discussion »Debaters
-
Let the Internet Evolve
Some want the Internet to become a "public utility" to guarantee neutrality. But there's a reason why our public infrastructure is crumbling.
-
If Only the Rules Matched the Rhetoric
The F.C.C. chairman spoke of the need for an open Internet, but the agency's proposed rules seem to call for preferential fast lanes.
-
Don’t Harm the Start-Up Economy
Without guaranteeing that all providers will have equal ability to provide their services, we will create an Internet of haves and have-nots, and it’s not just consumers who would suffer.
-
Regulation Could Slow Our Future
Harsh new rules would preclude future prioritized traffic for online gaming, cheaper television packages, and other services on the horizon.
-
Equal Access for All
Wheeler’s proposal leaves the door open for an exclusive fast lane for wealthy corporations, while relegating the rest of us to a second-class, censored Internet.
-
Maintain the Web’s Youthful Idealism
Soon the Internet will be transformed as companies pre-position data in your computer. For now, let Net democracy continue.
When Do Consumer Boycotts Work?
New Terms for Nafta?
Media in the Age of Trump
From Their Pens to Donald Trump's Ear
Western States, Federal Land