What is Net Neutrality?

Net Neutrality has been a very controversial issue being debated in our country, especially throughout the past year.  Major companies like Verizon and Comcast, along with the FCC, have been trying to find common ground and set in stone net neutrality rules and regulations.  Everyone is asking the same question:  who controls the Internet, providers or consumers?  The government, service providers, and the general public all have competing interests and are fighting for their individual cause. Net neutrality is nowhere near done being debated over.

So what exactly is net neutrality?  In 2002, a well-known author, policy advocate, and Columbia Law School professor named Tim Wu coined the term “net neutrality.”  Net neutrality enables us to browse and communicate freely using an open Internet.  This is one that allows for and protects acts of free speech.  Net neutrality also means that all networks are not permitted to discriminate against any content that passes through their network.  You can post what you would like and you cannot stop others from posting what they would like.  Everything is fair game.

About one year ago, the FCC decided to release a proposal that would allow Verizon, Comcast, AT&T, and other major service providers to make pay-to-play fast lanes that permit content discrimination.  The government and the general public were against this movement and got the FCC to retract their plan.  The FCC now rules that content blocking and paid prioritization are strictly prohibited.

Both Verizon and Comcast have challenged the FCC’s rules by obstructing access to certain web networks that use high amounts of bandwidths and supported pirated content transactions.  Popular companies like Netflix have been negatively affected by content discrimination and they are not the only ones. This will continue to be a battle between the courts, the major companies, and the FCC.

Launch 3 Telecom provides hardware and network services to companies like Verizon and AT&T.  The equipment we provide allows these companies to have low cost and reliable bandwidth and hardware.  If interested in buying or selling network equipment, please contact Launch 3 Telecom at 877-878-9134, or email us at sales@launch3.net.

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