This is why the Federal Communications Commission wants to roll back net neutrality
In 2015, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was authorised by Congress to regulate internet rules to ensure that all web traffic and information transmitted by broadband providers is treated equally for all users, as per set policies. Internet Service Providers are restricted in the practice of bandwidth throttling (intentionally lowering internet speeds) for video streaming, peer to peer file sharing through Bit Torrents, FaceTime and VoIP (the transmission of voice and media over IP networks).
The new Chairman of the FCC, Ajit Pai, wants to roll back the internet rules of net neutrality.
In short, there are mixed views on what impact the relaxing of such regulations may have. Some companies such as Facebook, Netflix, eBay, Amazon, Twitter and Tumblr could be adversely affected. Additional charges for quality services and high data transmissions, through premium pipelines for fast data transfer, would likely be passed on to businesses and consumers alike. This in turn may create a hierarchy of internet services and fees for corporates and consumers.
My view of the FCC’s proposal is mixed. On the one hand, I see that they want broadband and telecommunication companies to selfregulate. On the other hand, they want to encourage further investment and development of internet infrastructure. Unfortunately, the proposal could negatively affect the ability of low-income families and students to access information and connect with others through free VoIP services globally. I am for regulation, as long as it is in the best interest of society and economies. The FCC’s proposal for the reversal of net neutrality is likely to be more advantageous to the larger corporates, whilst negatively impacting smaller innovative web content producers and lower-income consumers.
My suggestion for small technology businesses and online retailers would be to try and mitigate their IT risk and stay abreast of the proposed US changes. If you want to have your voice heard, make your public comment on the FCC’s website. where more than 8.7 million comments have been posted already. From Mr Robert Ford Co-founder and managing director of a computer service provider in Dubai