Article: The Future We Might Deserve?

Some time today, the FCC is expected to vote to repeal most of the 2015 net neutrality regulations. These rules prevented broadband providers from blocking or slowing down web sites or apps. This apps prevented companies from making deals to give certain kinds of traffic priority over others. The only thing that will remain is that providers must disclose what they do with web traffic.

I don’t have much to say on the matter that has already been said, but I fear what may change with these regulations being lifted. Unlike 2015, cord-cutting has gained a lot of traction, and mobile web traffic has picked up even more. We’ve seen some zero-rating on the mobile side already, which is pushing the limits of current regulations. At worst, companies like Comcast and AT&T, who sell TV service, home internet, and wireless phone service will most likely push bundles even harder and punish those who aren’t seeing everything on one bill. And if you don’t like it? Oh, that’s too bad, you could always go to another cable or phone company.

In my opinion, Ajit Pai is being a terrible steward of the FCC, and despite what he may say, still seems to have the interests of companies like Verizon (his old employer) at heart. You can’t fault these companies for trying to increase profits, but our government should try to keep them honest.

Whatever ends up happening today, this is yet another instance of those in our current administration not having the citizens’ interests first. The fix? In the next election, vote those who put Pai and those like him in power out (and I’m especially looking at you, younger people who apparently don’t vote).