Introduction
The time when internet was introduced, it was free and without any regulations and restrictions. Later, broadband service providers exerted control via steps such as reducing the speed of video streams, restricting websites etc. This caused agitation in users for not being able to enjoy restriction free use. Then the government took measures to take away the authority from broadband providers.
Presently, net neutrality is linked with a wide set of rules that were made in 2015 to stop broadband service providers from restricting certain content, or reducing internet speed for people. But those rules got cancelled by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission from April 23, 2019. This retract can impact companies in smart medical devices, drones, autonomous cars, smart city projects and connected factories.
People are worried that this cancellation of rules can again give the control of the internet to broadband service providers. People who oppose “net neutrality” are in favor of cancellation of rules. Let us look at what people have to say in favor and against of net neutrality.
Concept of Net Neutrality
The web is one such place where people enjoy freedom, anonymity and privacy. Net neutrality is a concept where internet service providers have to provide businesses and consumers open and uniform access to all online content. There should be no bias behavior in regards to specific applications and websites over others.
Net Neutrality, is also referred to as the “Open Internet”. This principle must prohibit internet service providers to reduce internet speed or blocking any online content available on the web. Net Neutrality, thus provides users with all the liberty they deserve while browsing through apps, web pages, and other online content.
In favor of Net Neutrality
Infrastructure upgrades
Continued investment of resources in networks by telecommunication agencies, can even lay the path for enhancement and upgrades. Growth and deployment of the innovative manufacturing technologies would boost economic growth of a nation.
5G development
5G services will enable machines and sensors to directly communicate over long distances. When control of the internet is in the hands of the government, then such interference will act as an obstacle in the development of “5G” technology. This will also weaken the diverse use of 5G services, modernization enabled by QOS (quality-of-service) distinctions and also on the accessibility of varying levels of internet connectivity. Cancellation of net neutrality will help companies to bifurcate crucial data traffic that can be vital for company safety.
Prioritization of IoT communications
If the Net Neutrality regulation gets revoked, then the ISP has the authority to prioritize internet traffic. This can be advantageous for IoT-based services. Applications related to wearables, driverless cars and delivery drones that need a significant amount of real-time data would benefit by the favored treatment.
Limited regulation
In future, technological advancements such as self-driving cars, augmented reality and remote surgery will need better performance from the web. In absence of expectable rules about the working of the internet, it will get tough to fulfill the demands of new technological advancements.
More investment in infrastructure and new services:
When broadband providers will regain control over internet, it will result in more investment of money in development of innovative services. Telecommunication companies will quickly recuperate investments by development of innovative premium services throughout security. Image recognition service can be provided by network and telecom service providers.
In Against of Net Neutrality
Adversely impact city projects
Moving internet authority to broadband service providers would impact smart city projects. These ISP can make it expensive and tough for governments to install services related to IoT technologies such as smart street light and safety.
Higher bills
Cancellation of net neutrality regulation will let broadband providers to decide the charges for providing internet service. They can even charge customers high for quicker Internet lanes.
Net neutrality will treat all traffic evenly without overcharging them. It can constrain the expansion of “high-priority” services, that needs software techniques or network slicing to differentiate critical internet traffic. Customer may need to pay for the increased load of advanced infrastructure, and services.
Non-uniform access to internet
Net neutrality will give authority to broadband service providers. They will define what services and websites are accessible. According to them the control over internet should remain with the government. This will help people to realize the true potential of internet devoid of any restriction and interference of service provider.
Exclude startups
Large firms can afford to pay hefty premiums for next-gen internet services, but startups firms who lack purchasing power will get excluded. This will also enable companies with extensive financial resources to favor its own services and applications.
