Here's one incredible thing about the Internet: once you get on, everyone gets an equal opportunity to use it. But Verizon, Comcast and other big US corporations are determined to change that, and kill an Internet that's open for all.
Internet service providers (ISPs) like Verizon and Comcast are pushing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make changes that would create an Internet “fast lane” -- where websites would need to pay ISPs a premium to ensure high-speed connections. ISPs would have the right to choose which services get fast traffic and small businesses that can't afford premiums could be slowed down to a crawl.
But the fight to save the open Internet is heating up. Consumers and a handful of companies including Netflix are standing up to the ISPs’ profit scheme. If ISPs like Verizon prioritize some traffic over others, it will hurt everyone -- consumers, start-ups, and small businesses alike.
The FCC is asking the public right now what to do -- and unless they hear from us, the FCC will hand over control of the Internet to Verizon and Comcast.
More Information:
The FCC's Net Neutrality proposal explained, The Nation, May 24, 2014
Verizon responds to Netflix error message, The Washington Post, June 4, 2014