Aftermath of Net Neutrality—What’s Next

Featured blog by Xander Schofield, Independent Technology Writer

February 26, 2015 marked an historic day for the Internet. And not because of the #LlamaDrama or #thedress that blew up on social media, but the 3-2 Federal Communication Commission (FCC) decision earlier in the day that classified Internet as a utility—keeping the medium fair and free. With net neutrality, it keeps business innovative, minority voices shared and lets the Internet continue to function the way it always has. But what about future actions on the opposing side? What’s next concerning net neutrality in America?

ISPs and Republicans Will Fight Back

The two biggest proponents of government control over the Internet won’t go down without a fight. For instance, Congressman Vern Buchanan voiced his strong opposition in a Fox News opinion piece, saying, “A massive layer of government regulation–332 pages to be exact—not only threatens the online freedoms enjoyed by Americans across the country but stifles the innovation and entrepreneurship that is the lifeblood of the digital economy.” Furthermore, many GOP’s have created this proposal in order to overturn the net neutrality vote.

Ajit Pai, one of the two members of the FCC who did not vote in favor of the proposal, confirmed that it is possible for a turnabout. “President Obama’s plan could be vacated by the courts, overturned by Congress or could be rejected by future commission. I’m confident that at least one of these things will happen.”

As for Internet service providers (ISP’s), their threatened feelings will most likely transition into a legal battle. ISP’s feel like their back is up against the wall and the new ruling will diminish their motivation to stay competitive in the marketplace when all Internet is treated fairly. Basically, expect legal battles in the near future pitting ISP’s against the FCC net neutrality proposal.

Proposal is Released to the Public

One of the major arguments for those opposing net neutrality was Chairman Tom Wheeler’s proposal being completely private to the public. Now, merely weeks after the passing of the proposal, the public continues to wait the release of the FCC proposal. According to the FCC blog, the FCC does not immediately release its proposal, but goes through final steps to insure the document is polished. This includes the Commission writing statements that the proposal can defend and support; final edits and “nonsubstantive clean-up” and officially signed off by Commissioners who voted for the proposal.

Furthermore, the FCC explains: “The goal, of course, is to release the final order as soon as possible. But speed is not the only—or even the utmost—goal. The rulemaking process of the FCC was designed by Congress, and is executed by the Commission, to produce rules that will stand the test of judicial review—and of time.”

Immediate Effect on Business

We knew that net neutrality was going to impact businesses across various industries, and now we’re getting a first glimpse into it’s rippling effect with the recent Apple and HBO Now partnership. Earlier on, HBO was looking at deals with major cable companies, since most provide HBO packages in their contracts. But, rather, HBO wanted to gain a wider audience, not just those that can afford more expensive TV packages. With net neutrality intact, users will get the same experience and not have to pay higher for faster speeds of Internet that can affect HBO Now streaming services. Net neutrality makes these deals possible, as well as lower the big ISP monopolies on networks.

Furthermore, looking at business as a whole, net neutrality will continue to allow smaller companies to grow and get a foot in the door of their respective industry. It also will help streamline office procedures, from sharing information with clients to IT web help desk support. Net neutrality saves jobs, as well as create new information to share on the web.

Although the debate is not over yet, and time is needed to move the proposal forward, net neutrality will keep the internet available and fair to any and all users.