Internet service providers (ISPs), are the middlemen between content companies and internet users. They provide the infrastructure that allows internet users to have access to content from various content providers. The ISPs are capable of controlling the internet speed, content, and content providers. this article will let you know the The Pros And Cons of Net Neutrality.
Net neutrality is a principle that prohibits ISPs from giving any preferential treatment to internet traffic. This means that the ISPs should allow users to have access to the internet in the same way regardless of the platform, service provider, or type of content. It maintains that they should not control how users use their service. Without net neutrality, ISPs can regulate the type of content that is made available to users- They have full control of who and what to accept.
How ISPs Work?
Internet connectivity requires a large network of interconnected cables. This infrastructure is provided by the ISPs to enable users to have access to the internet. So, to connect their devices to the internet, users have to pay ISPs in form of a subscription. These ISPs are interconnected and they also pay larger ISPs for internet access. The ISPs want to charge content companies for content that requires high bandwidth, but users fear that this might have several adverse effects on their internet usage.
How Net Neutrality Works?
Net neutrality demands that Internet Service Providers deliver content at the same speed regardless of its source. Internet users don’t want ISPs to determine how fast or slow their internet speed should be. But because the ISPs are responsible for the infrastructure required to maintain and upgrade the internet for users, they want some select companies to pay for faster internet speed. This would mean that those companies who are unable to pay will have slower internet speeds.
ISPs argue that users do not have to bear the high cost of maintaining and upgrading the internet. However, reports have had it that the ISPs had forced some companies to pay a premium for faster internet speed- They want to charge customers for access to content and charge content companies for access to customers.
Net Neutrality has gathered a heated debate over the past years, and as light, as it may seem, it is a complex issue that can have a huge impact on all affected partners. The Pros and Cons of Net Neutrality are:
The Pros
- There will be no segregation as ISPs cannot slow down or speed up certain content based on their preferences.
- Large content companies will no longer enjoy preferential treatment since ISPs cannot charge them a premium for faster internet.
- Users will have a lot of flexibility in online content, platform, and their overall use of the internet.
- Small businesses can compete with larger ones, leading to more creativity and innovation among content providers.
- Users won’t have to pay more for the content they access on the internet.
- There will be no exclusion since minority groups will have access to the internet just like everyone else.
The Cons
- Enforcing net neutrality will cause additional rules and regulations as well as taxation for internet users
- Unfair internet billing will occur as users accessing low bandwidth content will have to pay for the infrastructure required for higher bandwidth content.
- There will be a lack of innovation as ISPs won’t have enough to reinvest in infrastructure.
- The absence of content censoring will enable the spread of illegal content, and it might have gained a lot of traction before authorities can curb it.
- ISPs will have low returns on investment.
- Some users who go overboard with internet usage will throttle the internet speed in their neighbourhood.
Conclusion
The net neutrality debate has been lingering on for several years among its stakeholders. The ISPs want to enjoy high returns on their investment in internet infrastructure by billing larger companies for faster internet. Internet users do not want ISPs to control their internet speed because of content or platform. Net neutrality is a complex issue that’s going to have a profound effect on either side of the argument. Before you take sides on net neutrality, it is important to consider its potential disadvantages.
FAQ
- What is net neutrality?
Net neutrality is a proposition that internet service providers should treat all internet traffic the same without slowing down, speeding up, or blocking any of them.
- Why don’t people want net neutrality?
The internet has fared in the absence of net neutrality. When internet access is treated the same regardless of location, content, or platform, several unnecessary regulations will eventually arise to throttle internet users’ experience.
- Is net neutrality in place?
Not yet. Several futile attempts have been made to enact net neutrality. However, it must be signed by the president before it can be established.
- Who is against net neutrality?
The ISPs. They have invested heavily in infrastructure and want large companies that use high bandwidth to pay for it.
