This week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 to repeal the net neutrality rules that required internet service providers to treat web content equally. Under the FCC’s new plan, broadband providers will be able to tier internet speeds for websites based on user-traffic. Providers may charge consumers extra to access content on popular sights like Netflix and Facebook, who themselves may be charged extra for broadband “fast lanes” to provide their customers faster internet speeds on their platforms.
The major broadband providers have not announced any plans to implement these tiered models, but consumers and internet-based firms are outraged by the prospects of paying more for their online activity.
There is no consensus on how the net neutrality repeal will impact broadband in rural areas, where 39 percent of rural communities lack internet access. Rural providers argue the regulatory repeal will pave the way for broadband investment in rural areas that weren’t previously financially viable. Critics point out many rural consumers are subject to the monopoly of a single provider, and the repeal will give these providers more leverage over consumers in these areas. For example, rural businesses may be charged additional fees to access e-commerce platforms and social media sites. The FCC’s proposal is expected to be challenged in court by pro-internet groups which could potentially delay providers from implementing policy changes in the short term. Either way, consumers and businesses should not expect any meaningful changes to their internet and data usage through 2018.