Net neutrality: The FCC voted to end it. What that means for you!

Last Thursday the Federal Communications Commission voted to roll back net neutrality regulations passed by the agency two years ago. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions.  Click the link at the end for more questions and answers. 

Q: What is net neutrality?

A: Net neutrality, or open Internet, is the principle that Internet service providers (ISPs) should give consumers access to all legal content and applications on an equal basis, without favoring some sources or blocking others. It prohibits ISPs from charging content providers for speedier delivery of their content on "fast lanes" and deliberately slowing the content from content providers that may compete with ISPs.

Q: What were the net neutrality rules before? Why should I care?

A: In February 2015, the FCC, then chaired by Democrat Tom Wheeler, passed regulations giving the agency the ability to protect the principles of net neutrality. In the 3-2 vote, Democratic commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel voted yes, along with Wheeler, who was appointed by President Obama, while then-commissioner Pai and commissioner Michael O'Rielly, both Republicans, voted no. The regulations aimed to ensure that all the Internet content you want to access — be it streaming video, audio or other material — would be treated equally by ISPs. Another goal: to give start-ups and entrepreneurs access to broadband networks without undue influence from the ISPs.


For more questions and answers click the link below to bring you to the USA TODAY article by: Mike Snider, Roger Yu and Emily BrownPublished 3:43 p.m. ET April 26, 2017 | Updated 7:46 p.m. ET Dec. 14, 2017

https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2017/04/26/what-net-neutrality-and-what-would-its-reversal-mean/100930220/