US government to propose huge change to internet rules

     
        Hello again. Today, I'll be discussing how the FCC is considering classifying the internet as a telecommunications service rather than an information service, which would be a huge win for proponents of "Net Neutrality". For the whole article, click here. Thais change would allow the FCC to monitor and police internet service, as well as making sure providers aren't blocking content or allowing providers to be paid off to increase internet speeds. However, the government does not plan to price-set the internet as it has done for other utilities. Many internet providers, however, don't like the idea of "net neutrality", as seen in this quote Comcast released in a statement, “The internet has not just appeared by accident or gift — it has been built by companies like ours investing and building networks and infrastructure.”

       Later on in this unit, we will discuss government institutions as well as their powers and responsibilities. The FCC is a government institution, and it has the power and responsibility to regulate utilities, telecom, and other services.

      I think this is a positive step forward for this country, because, earlier this year, Comcast blackmailed Netflix into paying it money by throttling Netflix to Comcast's customers until Netflix paid them off. The internet should not be regarded as something that can be exploited to the internet service provider's benefit, rather, it should be something that treats all websites equally.