Court Strikes Down 'Net Neutrality'
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An open FCC meeting. (Image via Creative Commons)
Advocates for open internet access worry that broadband providers like Comcast and Verizon now may begin raising the price for high quality web service and discriminating against smaller companies unable to afford the premium. The result could allow web content giants like Disney to receive faster and more reliable web access than smaller companies -- or it could allow ISP providers to charge consumers additional fees for certain sites, similar to the cable TV industry.
Since 2010, Federal Communciations Commissions regulations have forced broadcast providers to treat all content on their networks equally. The mandate led to a detachment between ISP providers and the content on their networks.
But according to the court, the regulations are not needed in part because consumers still have the choice to choose between ISPs.
"[Consumers] can go to another broadband provider if they want to reach particular edge providers or if their connections to particular edge providers have been degraded," the court wrote.
In a statement, Verizon said the ruling would not change the open nature of its services:
"One thing is for sure: Today’s decision will not change consumers’ ability to access and use the Internet as they do now. The court’s decision will allow more room for innovation, and consumers will have more choices to determine for themselves how they access and experience the Internet. Verizon has been and remains committed to the open Internet which provides consumers with competitive choices and unblocked access to lawful websites and content when, where, and how they want."
Although FCC said it may appeal to a higher court, for now ISP providers may begin using different pricing arrangements than the digital world has seen.
Read the full report on the Wall Street Journal, or check out the full court ruling here.
To contact Executive Producer Raishad Hardnett, email him here.
