Net Neutrality Notes

Net Neutrality

Introduction

  • The Internet is a vast repository of knowledge and entertainment.

  • Net Neutrality is a critical issue affecting the Internet.

  • A previous segment on Net Neutrality aired three years ago and received unexpected attention.

  • Oliver's recent segment on Net Neutrality went viral.

The FCC and Net Neutrality

  • John Oliver's segment directed viewers to leave comments on the FCC website, which led to the website crashing.

  • The Trump administration plans to roll back Obama-era net neutrality rules.

  • This action necessitates a review and understanding of what net neutrality entails.

What is Net Neutrality?

  • Net Neutrality ensures that all data on the internet is treated equally.

  • Internet service providers (ISPs) should not discriminate against content.

  • ISPs should not favor certain content based on payments or other considerations.

  • Example: An ISP should not slow down Google search to favor Bing if Bing pays them more.

Importance of Net Neutrality

  • It prevents ISPs from manipulating online choices.

  • Ensures a level playing field for companies.

  • Prevents large companies from undermining smaller ones.

  • Without it, larger companies can easily stifle smaller ones.

ISP Statements on Net Neutrality

  • Some companies claim to support a free and open Internet.

  • Verizon created a video asserting their commitment to open access.

  • Verizon claims that the FCC isn't killing net neutrality, but merely putting it on a different legal footing.

Title One and Title Two of the Communications Act of 1934

  • In 2010, the FCC wrote net neutrality rules governing ISPs, which were regulated under Title One.

  • Verizon sued the FCC, arguing that they lacked the authority to enforce the rules.

  • The court ruled that reclassifying ISPs under Title Two would allow for stronger oversight.

Ajit Pai and the FCC

  • Trump appointed Ajit Pai as the new head of the FCC.

  • Pai is known for being anti-regulation and pro-merger.

  • Pai has expressed intentions to reduce current FCC rules and predicted net neutrality's days are numbered.

  • Pai presents himself as a down-to-earth individual, often quoting The Big Lebowski.

  • Pai's affinity for his Reese's Peanut Butter Cups mug is highlighted.

  • Pai is a former lawyer for Verizon.

  • Pai argues that the internet flourished under light-touch regulation before 2015.

Examples of ISP Interference

  • ISPs like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile once shut out Google Wallet from their phones, which competed with their mobile payment app.

  • T-Mobile tweeted support for ISIS when people complained about Google Wallet.

Pai's Proposals

  • Pai suggests ISPs voluntarily agree not to obstruct or slow consumer access to web content via terms of service.

  • He argues that Title Two places too great a regulatory burden on companies and has caused them to scale back investments in broadband networks.

  • Pai claims infrastructure investment declined after Title Two was imposed.

  • Verizon told its investors in 2014 that the switch to Title Two would not influence the way they invest.

The Importance of Title Two

  • Title Two is the most solid legal foundation for strong, enforceable net neutrality protections.

Congressional Action and Public Involvement

  • ISPs suggest net neutrality could be protected by an act of Congress.

  • The current president does not seem to understand the issue.

  • Trump tweeted in 2014 that net neutrality is the fairness doctrine that will target conservative media.

  • The public must take action to address this issue.

How to Get Involved

  • The FCC is inviting public comment on their website.

  • Go to fcc.gov/ecfs/search-proceedings.

  • Enter the proceeding number: 17−10817-108

  • Click on the link that says express, and then leave your comment.

  • Visit gofccyourself.com to be redirected to the comment page.

  • Support strong net neutrality backed by Title Two oversight of ISPs.

  • Internet groups need to unite.

  • Comment now and when the FCC makes its proposal official.

  • Call your representatives and senators.

Call to Action

  • The Internet's time wasters and troublemakers are called upon to join in this effort.

  • Go to the provided URL and tell the FCC to preserve net neutrality and Title Two.