You've Been Throttled!

Net neutrality is still a hot topic even though it has been some time since the repeal. We get on the internet for entertainment, to socialize with friends, family or long-time online acquaintances.

So, it is more frustrating—than it is a big deal—when a connection is slow; unless you are a small business owner depending on high-speed internet access to reach clients who pay for your services so you can (in turn) pay the mortgage, utilities, insurance, medical bills…you get the picture.

If you have been a consistent user of a computer over the years, you found out there are inherent reasons (over which we have no control) where computer response times become slow by:

• Spyware
• Increased number of users
• Viruses
• Peak internet hours
• Defective equipment
• Internet Service Provider (ISP) troubleshooting data traffic flow

What does any of this have to do with net neutrality?

Good question. Before net neutrality became a buzzword, most content writers, telecommuters, and those running online businesses did not consider the possibility an Internet Service Provider (ISP) may interfere with the flow of their content by speeding up or slowing down the rate or even blocking internet access to rival the competition.

Imagine how that affects your cash flow.

Okay. Breathe.

What is net neutrality?

When I first heard those words, I thought of a company or individual refusing to get involved with or take sides on an issue concerning the internet. Good guess. I had the internet part right. Then I had questions:

• When did the concept of net neutrality get started?
• Why is there a need to address being neutral on the internet?
• What inspired President Obama to address net neutrality?
• Who should be concerned about net neutrality?
• What should internet users do about net neutrality?

The original intent of net neutrality.

Former FCC Commissioner, Mignon Clyburn (August 2009-June 2018), explains “net neutrality principles [with a history dating] as far back as 2004” were established to prevent “discriminatory interference by the nation’s largest broadband providers.” She mentions as an example the case where “several [Internet Service Providers (ISPs)] blocked Google Wallet in favor of these providers’ own affiliate app.”

Just think how the repeal of net neutrality affects small business owners who cannot afford time and money for a legal battle to push back against or even prove they're being throttled?

Official FCC documentation adopted August 5, 2005 and released September 23, 2005cites portions of the Communications Act of 1934 in section 230(b) where Congress addresses “national internet policy” and in section 706(a) Congress charges the Commission to provide…advanced telecommunications capability—broadband—to all Americans.”

Fred Campbell, CEO of the Wireless Communications Association International, former head of the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (2007-2008) and former Wireless Legal Advisor to past FCC Chairman Kevin Martin (2005-2006), reveals internet service providers are not the only entities with ability to affect broadband internet access.

Mobile internet service providers have the same “gatekeeping” power to throttle content along the information highway.

The current situation for net neutrality.

Until further notice, the internet will be ran like a public utility according to CNET News Reporter, Marguerite Reardon. The alleged benefit of this move is to “prevent internet service providers from favoring one bit [byte?] of data over another.” Treated like a public utility, expenses from projects to enhance the internet can be passed on to throttled customers.

Yes…throttled customers.

Net Neutrality Repeal and Freedom of Speech

It takes time to write an email to state representatives to let them know your thoughts about the net neutrality repeal. Words don’t always come easy when they really count. The irony is trusting the email reaches its destination without being throttled.

It’s a stretch, I know. Conspiracy theory. Area 51. Big Brother. Aliens.

Look, considering the conversations on talk shows, at town hall meetings, or local bars about what's going on in our government and in our communities, it is easy to go there.

It is as natural a flow of thinking, as it is of breathing, to consider the net neutrality repeal as an elaborate scheme to mute freedom of speech on the internet wherever it shows a gathering of minds to affect change.

The internet amplifies voices of voters in America.

In the beginning, the internet was exciting because it was promoted as a way to reach people around the globe on the world-wide-web (www).

Blue State Digital engineered the 2007 presidential campaign of then-Senator Barack Obama and turbo-charged the internet, making it easy for grassroots organizers to reach Americans who were ready for change.

In 2008, American voices were amplified through the vote, history was made...and now there's net neutrality...I'll wait.

Conspiracy theory: net neutrality is a play on words.

• Small business owners are no match against large companies able to interfere with internet access of rivals. What’s neutral about having an edge to make more money than the competition?
• Virtual political and economic power of the American people can be minimized at will. What better way to interfere with the election process...with democracy...with the economy of hard-working Americans than by controlling internet access?

“Broadband reclassified as a Title II telecommunications service has the potential to give the FCC unprecedented authority" (CNET, Reardon).

If you have posts on the internet about positive change or taking action against injustice, there is a very good chance, you've been throttled!

Okay...maybe not.