While the discussion on net neutrality regulations might have seemed quiet these last few months, a conclusion is about to be reached. According to sources close to the commission, the FCC is preparing to set a vote soon, and possibly by mid-week we will see exactly what Commissioner Pai has in mind. While we are still not sure how thorough and far-reaching the roll back will be, we do know that, at the very least, Chairman Pai wants to remove the legal foundation for oversight. Beyond that, he could eliminate the core rules completely, basically gutting everything from the 2015 order.
Full gutting is what supporters of net neutrality are most concerned about, as it could forever change the landscape of the Internet. The vote will happen by mid-December, and soon after we will begin seeing the effects. Another turn of events includes telecom lobbyists trying to stop states from stepping in and creating their own form of net neutrality and standing up for the consumer. It seems that no matter what happens, it will be the consumers, the mom-and-pop shops, and Internet start-ups that will be on the losing side of things.
Blink;tech believes that a level playing field is of utmost importance and that keeping the net neutrality regulations intact would allow users to access information without censorship and promote innovation for content creators. Permitting a monopoly of the web would be disastrous for individuals or small businesses who lack the funding to compete. If this topic is important to you, and you want to make your voice heard, contact your state representatives in both the House and Senate.
Blink;Tech will continue to monitor this topic as changes occur, and will ensure that our clients, friends, and supporters have the information needed to make their own judgments.
