Net Neutrality: What It Means for Your Everyday Internet Access and Streaming Speeds
Net Neutrality: What It Means for Your Everyday Internet Access and Streaming Speeds CNET
sdgtalks
One of the longest-running debates about internet access has entered a new phase
One of the longest-running debates about internet access has entered a new phase, and the way it unfolds could directly affect everything you do online.
The Net Neutrality Debate
You might remember the net neutrality debate from a decade ago. Originally voted in by the Federal Communications Commission during the Obama administration, net neutrality guidelines were subsequently ended by Donald Trump’s FCC in 2017. Now a new push for it is back under President Joe Biden.
Restoring Net Neutrality Rules
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel proposed restoring net neutrality rules in September, and the agency voted in favor last month. But there’s a long road ahead still.
What is Net Neutrality?
Net neutrality is the principle that all internet traffic is treated equally — meaning your broadband provider won’t slow down or speed up sites you visit according to whether those sites pay extra money to have their traffic prioritized, or whether they have a special relationship with your provider. For instance, if you get your internet through Comcast, then it shouldn’t speed up access to its own streaming service Peacock while slowing down competitor services like Netflix and Disney Plus.
The Importance of Net Neutrality
Reinstating net neutrality rules should be a top priority, says Free Press Co-CEO Jessica J. González. Free Press is a media and technology watchdog.
- “People across the country are demanding these open-internet safeguards, which will allow the FCC to ensure that everyone in the United States — no matter their location, political persuasion, race or income — has affordable, reliable and safe internet connections free from discrimination, blocking or other ISP manipulation,” González said in a statement last month.
What will the new net neutrality rules mean, and when will they kick in?
In keeping with the Obama-era rules, the FCC wants to reaffirm that broadband is an essential service much like water, power and phone services, by designating it a “common carrier” under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934.
- Free Press says this will give the FCC the authority to hold phone and cable companies like Verizon, AT&T and Xfinity accountable for outages and potential monopoly abuses, and to ensure the affordability and availability of internet services.
What impact could net neutrality rules have on you?
The concept of net neutrality means preventing broadband and wireless providers from acting as gatekeepers to what we can access, and how fast.
- An open and accessible internet has become an essential part of democracy and everyday life, enabling free speech, political organization, activism, education, health care, shopping, entertainment and business opportunities.
Support for Net Neutrality
The American Civil Liberties Union is in favor of net neutrality rules being reinstated, calling the internet one of the most important communications services and saying that everyone, regardless of income, race and ethnicity, should have access to affordable, fast and reliable broadband. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as more of our lives moved online, the digital divide became more apparent.
What do ISPs say about net neutrality?
Many providers say they agree with these principles. Comcast’s web page on net neutrality says it does “not block, slow down or discriminate against lawful content.”
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis:
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses the issue of net neutrality, which is related to the development of industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9). It also highlights the importance of ensuring equal access to the internet for all individuals, regardless of their location, political persuasion, race, or income (SDG 10). Additionally, the article mentions the role of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in regulating internet access, which relates to the need for strong institutions and governance (SDG 16).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- SDG 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all
- SDG 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms
The article emphasizes the need to ensure equal and affordable internet connections for everyone, regardless of their location or income. This aligns with SDG 9.4, which aims to upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable. The article also highlights the importance of preventing discrimination, blocking, or manipulation by internet service providers (ISPs), which relates to SDG 10.2’s goal of promoting social, economic, and political inclusion. Furthermore, the article mentions the role of the FCC in protecting internet access and ensuring public access to information, which aligns with SDG 16.10.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of population with affordable and reliable internet connections
- Number of reported cases of discrimination or blocking by ISPs
- Existence of regulations or policies protecting net neutrality
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but it implies that progress towards the identified targets can be measured by monitoring the percentage of the population with affordable and reliable internet connections. Additionally, the number of reported cases of discrimination or blocking by ISPs can serve as an indicator of progress in achieving equal access to the internet. The existence of regulations or policies protecting net neutrality can also be used as an indicator of progress towards ensuring public access to information and protecting fundamental freedoms.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | Percentage of population with affordable and reliable internet connections |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all | Number of reported cases of discrimination or blocking by ISPs |
| Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all | Existence of regulations or policies protecting net neutrality | |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms | Existence of regulations or policies protecting net neutrality |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: cnet.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
