Internet Service Providers like Comcast have had it out for the net neutrality rules passed back in 2015 since they went into effect. They might say they want a free and open Internet but their actions tell a different story.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, probably taking orders from the telecom industry, announced recently plans to do away with net neutrality. Comcast has already started walking back its previous rhetoric on the subject.
In the past Comcast said, “We don't prioritize Internet traffic or have paid fast lanes, and have no plans to do so." Now Comcast says “We do not and will not block, throttle, or discriminate against lawful content." or impose the more nebulous "anticompetitive paid prioritization." What is actually “anticompetitive” is open to interpretation whereas before they just said they won’t prioritize. Most of the bigger Internet Service Providers say that they support net neutrality but want to repeal the net neutrality rules.
Several US Senators wrote a letter to Pai asking him to delay action on the rules but he has already made up his mind so refused to consider it. The Attorney General from New York also requested delaying action and wants him to investigate the cracing of the FCC website when they opened up comments on net neutrality rules. It seems like Chairman Pai forget that he works for the people and thinks he works for big business. Maybe he is just looking to secure a job for when he leaves government work.
After the dust settles on the whole net neutrality subject we will see if Internet providers like Comcast offers “fast lanes" to websites to ensure the site loads quickly.
No comments:
Post a Comment