All you need to know about Network Neutrality

We all must have heard the term ‘Net Neutrality‘ but only a few of us would know about it. When we go online we expect to be connected to whatever website we want and to have access to whatever content we want. In other words, we expect that our internet service provider isn’t messing with the data and is connecting us to all websites, applications and content we choose.

What is Network Neutrality?

When Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook, he didn’t need to ask any internet service providers to add the site to their networks. Neither did he have to pay these companies extra fees to ensure that Facebook would work as well as the websites of established companies. Instead, as soon as he created the Facebook website, it was automatically available from any internet connected computer in the world. That’s network neutrality. Net Neutrality or Network Neutrality is the key criterion that hinders internet service providers from interfering with the speed or blocking any content or websites we want to use. It means that ISPs should provide us with open networks and should not block or distinguish between any applications run over those networks. Just as our phone company should not decide who we call and what we say on that call, our ISP should not interfere with the content we view or post online. In absence of Net Neutrality, internet providers could dissect the internet into fast and slow lanes. An ISP could slow down its competitors’ content or can even block it. Few content companies that could afford to pay for special treatment pay extra to ISPs thus passing on everyone else to a slower layer of service which would destroy the open internet.

What’s the argument for network neutrality?

Supporters say that because of network neutrality there has been so much innovation on the internet over the last two decades and freedom has allowed the creation of dozens of innovative online services such as Google, Twitter, Netflix, Amazon, Skype, and more. Network neutrality provides equal opportunities for new websites and internet applications to establish themselves amongst the user space. They worry that without net neutrality, the internet would become less congenial to new companies and innovative ideas. For example, if large ISPs begin to charge extra from video streaming sites to deliver video content to the customers, it could not be easy to negotiate deals with dozens of network owners for the next YouTube to get traction. In February 2015, the Federal Communications Commission(FCC) approved new and stronger network neutrality rules that regulate internet access like a public utility. Network neutrality supporters hailed the proposal but the opponents say it will lead to excessive regulation of the internet. The regulations also face challenges in the courts as multiple telecom industry groups have used to stop the new rules arguing that they exceed the FCC’s authority. We all should be in favor of Network Neutrality as it treats all the data on the Internet the same and does not distinguish or charge differently by user, website, platform or application. Under these principles, internet service providers are not able to interfere with the speed or charge money for specific websites and online content. P.S. The views mentioned in favor of Network Neutrality are completely mine and may vary individual to individual.

 features of network neutrality:

Equal Treatment of Internet Traffic:
Under network neutrality, all internet traffic is treated equally, regardless of the source, destination, or type of content. This means that internet service providers (ISPs) cannot block, slow down, or prioritize certain types of traffic over others.

Free and Open Access to Information:
Network neutrality ensures that all users have access to the same information and content online, without interference from ISPs or other entities. This promotes freedom of speech and equal access to information.

Innovation and Competition:
Network neutrality fosters innovation and competition by providing a level playing field for all internet companies and startups. This allows new players to enter the market and compete with established companies on an equal footing.

Consumer Choice:
Network neutrality provides consumers with the freedom to choose which websites, applications, and services they want to use online. ISPs cannot restrict access to certain websites or force users to use specific services.

Economic Benefits:
Network neutrality has economic benefits by promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and competition. It also encourages investment in broadband infrastructure, which benefits businesses and consumers alike.

Preventing Discrimination and Unfair Practices:
Network neutrality prevents discrimination and unfair practices by ISPs that may harm certain users or businesses. This includes blocking or slowing down specific websites or services, charging extra fees for access to certain content, or creating fast lanes for preferred content providers.

Protecting Consumer Privacy:
Network neutrality protects consumer privacy by ensuring that ISPs cannot track or monitor their online activities without their consent. This helps to prevent the misuse of personal data and protects the rights of internet users.

Promoting Digital Equality:
Network neutrality promotes digital equality by ensuring that everyone has access to the same high-quality internet experience, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. This helps to bridge the digital divide and provides opportunities for underserved communities to access important services and information online.

Supporting Education and Research:
Network neutrality supports education and research by providing equal access to educational and research resources online. This helps to promote learning, innovation, and the advancement of knowledge.

Preserving Openness and Innovation:
Network neutrality preserves the openness and innovation of the internet by preventing ISPs from controlling what users can access or how they access it. This allows for the continued development of new technologies, services, and applications that benefit users and businesses alike.

 Advantages and disadvantages of network neutrality:

Advantages:

Promotes Freedom of Speech: Network neutrality promotes freedom of speech by ensuring that ISPs do not interfere with the flow of information or restrict access to certain types of content.

Encourages Innovation: Network neutrality encourages innovation by providing a level playing field for all internet companies and startups. This allows new players to enter the market and compete with established companies on an equal footing.

Supports Consumer Choice: Network neutrality provides consumers with the freedom to choose which websites, applications, and services they want to use online. ISPs cannot restrict access to certain websites or force users to use specific services.

Fosters Economic Growth: Network neutrality fosters economic growth by promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and competition. It also encourages investment in broadband infrastructure, which benefits businesses and consumers alike.

Equal Access to Information: Network neutrality ensures that all users have equal access to information and content online, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic status.

Promotes Competition: Network neutrality promotes competition by preventing ISPs from giving preferential treatment to their own services or those of their partners. This ensures that smaller companies and startups can compete on a level playing field.

Protects Against Censorship: Network neutrality protects against censorship by ensuring that ISPs cannot block or restrict access to certain types of content based on their own preferences or political views.

Maintains the Open Internet: Network neutrality maintains the open internet by preventing ISPs from creating “fast lanes” or “slow lanes” for certain types of traffic, which could lead to a tiered internet system that favors some users over others.

Disadvantages:

Limits ISP Revenue: Network neutrality limits ISPs’ ability to charge different prices for different types of traffic, which can reduce their revenue and profitability.

May Stifle Innovation: Some argue that network neutrality can stifle innovation by limiting ISPs’ ability to invest in new technologies or charge higher prices for premium services.

May Increase Costs: Network neutrality regulations can be burdensome and costly for ISPs, which can ultimately lead to higher costs for consumers.

May Overregulate: Some argue that network neutrality regulations may be overly prescriptive and burdensome, and that the market should be allowed to operate freely without government interference.

May Reduce Investment: Some argue that network neutrality regulations can reduce ISPs’ incentives to invest in new infrastructure and technologies, as they may not be able to charge higher prices for premium services.

May Limit Innovation: Network neutrality regulations may limit ISPs’ ability to experiment with new pricing models or services, which could limit innovation in the industry.

May Increase Government Control: Some argue that network neutrality regulations may lead to increased government control over the internet, which could limit free market competition and innovation.

May Be Ineffective: Some argue that network neutrality regulations may be ineffective at achieving their intended goals, as ISPs may find ways to circumvent the rules and continue to engage in discriminatory practices.