Time Running Out For Net Neutrality
It’s been a little over a year now since the FCC initiated proceedings to revote the Net Neutrality protections put in place by the Obama administration. The protections ensured that internet service providers would not be able to sell (or throttle) particular types of bandwidth and, in effect, sell the internet to customers piece by piece.
The worst-case scenario, for example, would be that your ISP would slow down your video streaming service, but offer you an upgrade package for access to ‘maximum speeds’.
At the time, the decision angered me. I should point out, that living in the UK, this didn’t affect me. I did, however, think that the timing by the FCC was very cynical. Announcing their vote plan just before Thanksgiving didn’t give supports much time to rally. If they do want to get the rules re-instated though, time is definitely running out.
In a report via CNET, if a vote isn’t held before the 10th of December, the act will have officially been repealed.
One Last Appeal!
Since the decision was made, there has been a lot of protest from many individuals and companies. To date though, none of it has appeared to even mildly sway the FCCs decision. As such, despite further protests, events, and demonstrations planned, the chances that this will be successfully organised well enough to create a new vote seems exceptionally unlikely.
It could happen, but I doubt it. As above though, if it doesn’t happen before December 10th, the FCC has effectively at least cemented this decision. Well, at least the duration of the current administration.
What do you think? Will an appeal vote happen? – Let us know in the comments!
