How the FCC’s Repeal of Net Neutrality Rules Could Affect Everybody

By this time, you might have already heard -- the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted 3-2 to repeal the net neutrality rules implemented back in 2015 (last month, the agency had first announced a proposal to reverse the rules). The said net neutrality rules were adopted a couple of years ago by the same agency under the administration of then President Barack Obama. But now with a new Commander in Chief in the White House, and a new Chairman in Ajit Pai, the FCC has decided to reverse the decision it made in 2015.

Just to cover all bases, net neutrality refers to the concept of having all web traffic treated fairly, with all Internet content made equally accessible to all users. The net neutrality rules also set guidelines that prevent broadband service providers and carriers from blocking, slow down, or granting preferred treatment to specific online content. 

So how does the repeal of the 2015 net neutrality rules affect people? Let us start with the consumers -- advocates of net neutrality principles have always maintained that with nobody to police Internet service providers (ISPs), they can basically decide which gets access to whatever content on the information superhighway. While it is true that ISPs want to attract all the Internet users they can get, they will likely and realistically favor those who can pay more. It goes without saying that this would leave those who can only afford much at a disadvantage. 

The same could also apply to businesses relying on ISPs to offer their products and services. Those with big budgets will probably enjoy preferential moment from the service providers, while those who don’t will end up only with crumbs from the table. 

Obviously, the big telcos and broadband service providers will be celebrating the repeal of the 2015 net neutrality regulations. The fact of that matter is -- with less government oversight, they get to reap a more bountiful harvest and enjoy bigger bottom lines. They have always argued that the net neutrality rules can hinder investment and stifle innovation in the world of Internet technology. But many are ready to counter argue that there never has been undisputed evidence that the 2015 regulations hamper progress.

So what happens next? Now that the FCC has voted to repeal, the matter will likely move to the courts, and perhaps a year from now, a final decision will be made regarding the implementation of the repeal. Also, it bears noting that the FCC right now has a Republican majority, but that could change next year or in 2020 if Democrats become the new majority. In that case, the rules could be reinstated.