Killing Net Neutrality: The FCC & The Big ISPs Plan For the Internet
There are three kinds of people: Those who understand technology, those who are clueless, and those who will do anything for money. Most of the people in key, decision making positions are in the third category (including FCC chair, Ajit Pai). This isn’t going to be a full article, the rest of the internet has written plenty on the subject. Instead, I’m going to list out everything this FCC would like to accomplish (as I see it).
Let’s not forget that Ajit Pai’s FCC is basically a subsidiary of the big players in the ISP field at this point. He used to be a lobbyist for them and is still acting that way. He ignores the public 100% of the time, has allowed Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, etc. to basically ghost write everything, and seems to have an agenda that would set us way back compared to the rest of the world.
So, what does this FCC want to do? Let’s get started:
- Remove blocks that keep single companies from owning all the local TV stations – Done this morning
- Reverse net neutrality – the implications here are huge
- Block local and municipal internet (they will fight this on every level)
- Destroy the Lifeline program that help people who can’t normally afford internet
- Reduce or remove the definition of “high speed”
- Kill copper networks – ISPs will be able to simply turn off or fail to upgrade your wired connection then give you a 4G antenna instead (what could go wrong)
- Deregulate ISPs so they can charge much higher prices
- Allow for further consolidation
- Discourage competition and change the definition of competition so that most of us have only one, expensive option
- Further whittle away at our online privacy, allowing corporations to sell, trade, etc. our personal data
- Help me add to this list – What else are they up to?
To those who argue against any and all regulation, saying things like, “I don’t want the government involved in anything!” Let me remind you that these corporations behave like sociopathic adults with the emotional IQ of a 12 year old. They would dump toxic waste into every river in the country if we let them. They would be all for child and slave labor. It’s not a joke, there are plenty of case studies that we conveniently forget because they don’t fit into our happy world view.
What do you think? What will happen if the FCC accomplishes it’s current mission? Also, was there anything I missed? Tell us in the comments.
Further reading (sources):
