Net neutrality is currently one of the hottest topics in tech, as the FCC voted on Thursdsay on its chairman’s controversial fast lane / slow lane system proposal, but not all Internet users really know what the fight between ISPs and Internet companies is all about. Re/code has a short video explaining what net neutrality means, why users should voice their concerns, and what the FCC’s new proposal is all about.
Basically, with a fast lane / slow lane system in place, ISPs will be able to charge premium prices to Internet companies that require lots of bandwidth in order to offer a smooth experience to end-users – music, video and gaming streaming services may be particularly impacted by such a policy rather than other services that don’t require lots of bandwidth. Costs associated with fast lane access will likely be passed down to consumers in time.
Furthermore, there’s one more worrying potential side-effect of such practices. Smaller companies and startups that may develop Internet services that could become very popular with consumers will have a harder time competing with larger corporations that can afford paying for fast lane access.
An interesting protest against the FCC’s proposal is available to website owners, who can add code to their websites to intentionally slowing them down in order to raise awareness among Internet users.
Re/code’s video follows below, with the publication’s FAQ list further providing details in brief about what net neutrality means for end-users and companies that offer Internet services.
