Victory for Net Neutrality

Net neutrality has been a popular topic as of late. It will dictate whether the internet will be restricted or free as we currently know it. As it currently stands the internet is a limitless bank of information and entertainment. It is unhindered by greedy companies thus far and everyone who uses the internet frequently seeks for it to stay so. 

Yesterday was a special day for the internet and most importantly of all Net Neutrality. On February 26th, 2015, the FCC voted 3 to 2 in favor of making the internet classified as a utility. What does this mean? This means that the internet is recognized just like electricity and water. In effect this blocks ISPs from giving  preferential treatment to companies that pay an additional fee. This preferential treatment is usually known as "Internet Fast-Laning" in which a company would pay the ISP to make their website load faster. However, as of today's ruling; this is now illegal. 

Commissioner Chairman Tom Wheeler originally proposed regulations that allowed for such fast lanes. But, after a huge outcry from citizens and companies like Netflix, the rules were revised to fall more in-line with pure net neutrality. Of the decision today, he said:

"The action that we take today is an irrefutable reflection of the principle that no one, whether government or corporate, should control free and open access to the internet."

- Tom Wheeler, FCC

Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel agreed stating:

"We cannot have gatekeepers who tell us what we can and cannot do and where we can and cannot go online. And we do not need blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization schemes that undermine the internet as we know it."

- Jessica Rosenworcel, FCC

One of the best aspects of yesterday is the inclusion of mobile networks for the first time. This means no more throttling by telecommunication corporations such as AT&T for watching lots of videos on your phone.

What you can expect however, is that some ISPs will attempt to hack apart the commissions ruling to pieces in court. For now, this is a solid victory for Net Neutrality.